Should 1984 be included in the freshman curriculum at Montville Township High School? The prophetic novel, 1984 by George Orwell, is a piece of literature which is modeled on the formerly communistic Soviet Union. In 1984, there is a society that exists, Oceania, where all human bonds and finer human emotions are illusional. This visional novel should clearly be an addition to the ninth grade curriculum. 1984 pronounces its strong theme, uses magnificent symbolism, and demonstrates the life of a society under a totalitarian government. These traits are what makes a novel a classic. The following paper will explore why 1984 should be included in the curriculum through theme, alienation, and symbolism.
             There is a major theme and a minor theme in this novel, both which are important messages to understand as well as to realize. The major theme is the horror of a dictatorial and totalitarian government. Philip Rahv stated in his literary criticism of 1984, "Big Brother, the supreme dictator of Oceania." (340) This quote clarifies 1984's totalitarianism and undisputed dictatorship. The entire novel paints a horrifying picture of what a fanatical, state-controlled society can do to the individual. This theme delineates to the reader why the USSR government collapsed and why all communist and dictatorial governments are the first step in destruction of a country's economical and political systems. The reader learns about present day governments, past communistic governments, and how these governments have an affect on society. The minor theme is that love overcomes the feelings of alienation and loneliness. Both Winston and Julia are at first depicted as lonely, isolated, and miserable, a state of existence that Big Brother encourages. "But the face of Big Brother seemed to persist for several seconds on the screen...At this moment the entire gr
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