The play "1984" is an adaption of the novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four" by George Orwell. The novel was published on 8th June 1949. The genres are dystopian, political fiction and social science fiction.The novel is set in Airstrip One (formerly Great Britain) and is about everything being controlled by the "Inner Party" (that make up 2% of the population) who have banned individualism and classed individual thinking as a "thoughtcrime". The "Inner Party" work for Big Brother, the leader who may or may not even exist, who enjoys this extreme cult of personality. Telescreens and secret microphones are in every building so the "thought police" can identify anyone who goes against the Party's regulations.
Winston (the protagonist in the novel) works for the "Ministry of Truth", who alter history records and photographs to fit with what Big Brother wants. Winston hates the organisation and becomes obsessed with finding out the actual truth. He begins writing a journal against Big Brother - if the "thought police" find out then Winston will be punished with certain death. He then falls in love with Julia (who also works for the ministry), a woman he had previously loathed until he found out she shares his hatred for Big Brother and passion to find out the truth.
Winston and Julia are approached by O'Brien (a member of the "Inner Party" who they believe is part of an underground secret service who intend on destroying the party "Brotherhood"). Winston and Julia swear allegiance to this group. Later, O'Brien sends Winston "The Book" which explains the meaning of perpetual war and the true meaning of the following slogans: WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. "The Book" also explain how the party can be overthrown.
The "thought police" later arrive at their flat and send Winston and Julia to be interrogated. They are tortured and sent to Room 101 to be cured. They are later released and meet each other in a park. They reveal that they betrayed each other. Oceania celebrates its "decisive victory" over Eurasian armies in Africa. The novel ends with Winston looking in admiration at a portrait of Big Brother.
