Symbolism in George Orwell's 1984

Your comprehensive guide to understanding the deep symbols in one of the greatest dystopian novels.

Introduction

In 1984, George Orwell uses symbolism as a literary device to convey complex ideas and critique the society. Here, we delve into some of the prominent symbols in the novel.

Key Symbols

The Paperweight

The paperweight is a symbol of Winston's dreams of a world of beauty, freedom, and individuality. It represents his longing for the past and his desire to hold onto his personal memories. 🌟

Big Brother

Big Brother symbolizes the Party itself - omnipresent, omnipotent, and oppressive. The figure represents the extreme surveillance and control over citizens in the totalitarian state. 🕵️

The Telescreen

The telescreen is a symbol of the Party's abuse of technology to maintain power and control over its citizens. It represents the loss of privacy and the permeation of propaganda. 📺