1984 Thoughts

Overall the book wasn't bad. I did get confused a lot reading it though. I've never been one to understand government, and when they threw in all this new stuff like the thought police, party, Big Brother etc. I got lost. I liked the concept of the book though, and believe that something like this could happen. It was really interesting to read about, and got me thinking about what I would do if I was being watched all the time or if my life was completely controlled. It reminded me of the horrors of giving one person complete control over a nation, and I hope that never happens. One thing I liked about the book is that there were people trying to do something about it. The ending was dissapointing to me because all of Winston's efforts were a waste, but I like the symbol of rebellion he held.

1984 Observation

Like Animal Farm, 1984 deals with one leader maintaining completely control over his society. The only difference in 1984 is the fact that someone actually rebelled. In Animal Farm, Snowball tried to rebel but was chased away. The other animals did nothing except follow Napoleon's rules. In 1984, there was a group of people (called the Brotherhood) that rebelled against Big Brother in secret. Winston also rebelled from the very beginning by keeping a diary of his thoughts. When he met Julia, they rebelled together. Although this turned out for the worse and they were captured/tortured, at least they stood up for their own rights. If they had more people on their side, their rebellion could have worked. Although a lot of the times rebellions don't change things, there are times when they are successful, and in this case I believe it could be if enough people joined in.

Animal Farm Thoughts

Overall, I found the book to be really weird. I wish the animals would have fought back and formed a group to overthrow Napoleon. It would have made it a lot more interesting. Even if it happened right at the very end. I thought the end was dry and honestly, I saw it coming. Once all the rules were changed, I knew the pigs would take the human's spot. The concept of the book was interesting, I just found it weird to be about animals. The idea of talking animals to me doesn't seem much like literature, so it was hard for me to take it seriously. It's easy to relate this book to 1984 though since they both have to do with completely controlled governments. Napoleon is like Big Brother and the animals are like the citizens. Snowball could easily be compared to Winston since they both rebel.

Animal Farm Observation

I've never seen a good example of one person having complete control over everything. Napoleon in Animal Farm is a good reminder of this. Most of the time, things start out well when a leader takes control, but as time progresses, the power of leadership almost always get out of hand. Leaders start abusing their power and believe their citizens should follow their every word. In Animal Farm, Napoleon is seen training his own "warriors" (the dogs) in order to keep the other animals of the farm in line. He calls the shots, he decides what's right and wrong. He believes he was chosen to lead, and that all great ideas should come from him. When the animals protest at all, he deceives them and, if needed, gets rid of the problem. This is a good example on how power can get out of hand.

Animal Farm Basic Summary

On Manor Farm, the animals of the barnyard are called for a meeting. Their leader, an old boar, is almost near his time and wishes to remind the animals the rules of life. After he dies, the pigs formulate a plan and drive their owner, Mr Jones, off the farm and take control. At first, they follow the rules of the old boar, but as time progresses, those rules are twisted, and the animals are tricked. Napoleon, the lead pig, collects all the food for himself and the other pigs, leaving none from the other animals. He also trains and teaches a breed of pups to do his bidding and keep order. While the other animals work hard, Napoleon lives in his own luxurious world. Eventually, Napoleon and Snowball (one of the other pigs) begin to argue about what to do with the farm next. Snowball suggests building a windmill, which Napoleon dislikes. He forces his dogs to chase Snowball off the farm, calling him a traitor, then resumes full leadership over the farm. Further into the book, more rules change and eventually, the pigs start acting just like the humans did. Although only a few animals take notice of the change, the farm eventually turns back into a "human run" farm, which is what they were trying to avoid in the first place.

1984 Basic Summary

Winston lives in 1984 London where an invisible leader known only as Big Brother controls everything. The citizens are watched 24/7 on telescreens, and society controls everything from the people's thoughts, to the language, and ever their history. At one point, Winston begins to rebel and buys a diary to write down all his negative thoughts.When on the job one day, Winston meets a beautiful dark haired girl (whom we later find out is named Julia). At first he hates her because she is a member of the Party (the organization that fulfills Big Brother's laws), but we later on find out she loves Winston and the two sneak around to see each other. Eventually they receive an invitation to O'Brien's apartment. Winston has believed all along that O'Brien is a member of the Brotherhood (a secret organization against the party), so they accept and travel to his place. Once there, they are inducted into the Brotherhood only to be captured by the government.They find out then that O'Brien was a spy for the Party. Winston is tortured and manipulated by the government, and in the end believes everything they say, promising not to rebel again..

Animal Farm/1984 Soundtrack Cover

I chose this as my album cover because it includes both animals and humans. It's a symbol of war, which can relate to 1984, and the dog jumping over the ravine can be a symbol of breaking free or rebelling, which goes along with both Animal Farm and 1984

1) Land Of Confusion-Disturbed

2) Asylum-Disturbed

3) At It Again-Pat McGee

4) Push-Matchbox Twenty

5) Breaking The Habit-Linkin Park