1984, An Emotional Ride

For the summer reading I chose 1984 by George Oswell. I remember reading and enjoying Animal Farm so it was the natural choice. I had heard some things about the book from some friends and family members that had read it and I heard almost always-positive comments. I went into the book knowing that it was intended to be a futuristic book taking place in a very different society with different rules and government in place. I chose the book seeking—and expecting—a novel of an unlikely hero who surmounted all the obstacles he was faced with and ultimately defeated or escaped from his government. However, despite the complete opposite ending occurring and being left with an emotionally broken character instead of the underdog hero I was expecting, the unexpected plot switch for me was what made the book an excellent example of story telling.

            Now looking back I can see it was kind of a bad call on my part to assume that the book would be off a heroic escape. Not only is my idea of the ending very predicable, but also it is also very unrealistic. It is hard to imagine how a character from a world surrounded by big brother could escape and have a positive outcome. However it is this view that made me see and appreciate the storytelling and overall change in plot later in story. The stage was set perfectly to believe this was a story of battling against all odds when Orewell creatively sets up the twisted and unpleasant environment of Winston’s life.  Orwell plays on our emotions as readers and pulls at something he knows most readers have in common: family. Orwell’s description of Winston’s lack of memory other than he once had a mother and a sister that were taken away from him, show the lack of a normal life. Orewell does a fantastic job of highlighting the importance of Winston’s vastly broken childhood—by our standards—by making what he does for a living which is edit and change history. His editing history—as someone else edited his own life—sets up a disturbing and creepy tone that will be followed out through the entire novel.

An excellent example of story telling that held my attention very close was the interaction with O’Brien towards the middle and end of the novel. The suspense built up by their indirect encounters and understanding was only heightened by their meeting where Winston borrows the book and is set to meet him later on. This background is presented in such an effective way that it draws the reader in  the plot twist and  pulls the whole plotline together. The intense interrogation, questioning, and torture that Winston goes through is done in a very effective manner. The fact that Orwell does not rely on grotesque description of torture or just instill disgust and terror allows the sentiment and fear to become more real for the reader. After days of torture, O’Brien asks Winston how many fingers he is holding, Winston fails to give the “correct” number by giving the actual number shown. His demonstrating that he has not been cured of his “insanity” results in his being forced to be  tortured once more. Winston  is finally released  into society when he shouts for O’ Brien to put the rats on Julia and not himself. This demonstrates that Winston’s love for Julia, is not greater than his fear.  The fact the Orwell does not rely on pure terror by specific imagery, but rather on emotional terror is what makes this an example of great story telling. The process of Winston’s anguish and breakdown is more powerful than if we were just presented with a bunch of horrific details.

            I will never forget the ending of the book. The way Orewell followed the very dramatic and intense breakdown of Winston is excellent. Nothing could have demonstrated the change in Winston that then interaction with Julia. The awareness and most importantly the acceptance of what had happened was disturbing. Not only was their perception of what happened the same, the fact that they both seemed to agree on how things had to be was disturbing. The love that filled Winston throughout the book, was now gone. Orewell symbolizing his acceptance and overall defeat in his conversation with Julia really gets to the reader. One of the only things that Winston fought so hard for, was destroyed by what he originally hated the most: big brother. Orewell sums up this grand shift in character masterfully with Winston saying he loves Big Brother at the very end of the novel. The haunting ending ties together the very different Winston.

            

My Most Memorable Reading Experiences

1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger is one of the best books I have read in high school. I know it will be one of the books I will remember for a long time. Holden Caulfield to me is a character that everyone can relate to at some level. I will remember Holden because of the sadness, confusion and other emotions he goes through, and how those feelings feel so real.  While it is fiction, it feels so honest and real.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The tragic and inspiring story of Mariam and Laila remind us of the importance and power of love. While it seems so easy to get caught up in our own problems it is so hard to be unselfish. Mariam reminds us of the sacrifice an individual can make in the name of love.

3. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a story of tragedy and personal growth. The moving words and storytelling bring tears to my eyes still. It easily connects to the reader and highlights terrible feelings of regret and suffering.

4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The unlikely and genuine friendship of Huck Jim is one of the most memorable relationships. The growth and bond that forms regardless of other pressures is one of a kind. I think the unique dynamic of their relationship can stand on its own without the other events.

5. The Redhunter by William F. Buckley. Being able to see a different viewpoint and side of the Notorious Senator  Joe McCarthy is not easy. The Redhunter successfully gives McCarthy a personality and a story that show a more human side of McCarthy that is rarely seen. I never thought that by the end of the novel I would end up feeling sympathetic towards McCarthy.

6. 1984 by George Oswell takes us into a different and overall unpleasant world. While I was hoping throughout the entire novel that he would find someone to help him escape--if not overcome-- his society and government, I was still left satisfied at the end. The complete terror in watching the brainwashing and its results left me with chills. One of the only books that has actually disturbed me.

7. Twilight By Stephanie Myer- Even though it's slightly embarrassing to admit, I'll never forget spending my first week of Christmas break Sophmore year reading the entire Twilight Saga. While the writing wasn't great and the plot got progressively worse, the fact that it kept me going all the way till the end is pretty memorable. The most reading I have ever done in 4 days.

A Thousand Splendid Suns message

One of the books I have recently read and have thoroughly enjoyed is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I read this book because I really enjoyed reading the Kite Runner that was written in a similar fashion. I think a big reason why A Thousand Splendid Suns is such a success and is enjoyable to read despite of the sad story, is the fact that it contains excellent story telling. Throughout the book we follow a girl named Mariam and the hardships she faces throughout her life. The events in her life are not the only things that keep the reader engaged but also the thoughts and memories that are told simultaneously. One of the passages that I automatically think of when I remember A Thousand Splendid Suns is a passage at the very end of the novel where Laila reflects on Mariam and her sacraficing her own life, "Mariam is never very far. She is here, in these walls they've repainted, in the trees they've planted, in the blankets that keep the children's laughter. She is in the verses Aziza recites and in the prayers she mutters when she bows westward. But, mostly, Mariam is in Laila's own heart, where she shines with the bursting radiance of a thousand suns."  The thought process and emotions shown are so captivating to the reader that it pulls the reader in. The story telling helps draw the reader in emotionally and connect with the story being told. It is easy to be sympathetic or feel some other emotion for the character, but to be able to be committed and feel truly affected is difficult. While maybe  not on the same level, everyone can relate to associating a person with something. This universal idea accompanied with the powerful words and imagery show the very effective story telling.