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1984 is set in a dystopian future after an atomic third world war. Theworld is dominated by three main states Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia allruled over by totalitarian regimes which are constantly at war with eachother,even though their policies are practically identical. Winston Smithis a civil servant in Oceania, a state completely under the control of 'TheParty' and it's figurehead Big Brother.
Winston's job is to rewrite newspapersand history books, in accordancewith current party policy, to make it appear that the party is always right.All the citizens of Oceania are constantly under surveillance by telescreensand by the thought police. Anyone even suspected of being unorthodox orin any way different disappears never to be seen again.
Yet despite this, Winston retains some individuality and starts to secretlyrebel against the regime. First by writing a diary, and recording historyin an unchangable form, then by collecting objects that represent this past,and finally by having a love affair with another rebel called Julia.
They rent a flat where they can meet secretly away from other people.They then decide to taketheir rebellion to the next level by making contactwith an official called O'Brien who they beleive is a representative ofa secret underground organisation called 'the Brotherhood.
However, he in fact turns out to be an agent of the thought police whohave been watching themall along and both Winston and Julia are arrested.They are both seperated and Winston is both mentally and physically torturedand broken down untill eventually he loses his humanity and individuality.He becomes just another brainless supporter of the state.