[107819] in Cypherpunks
Re: _1984_ vs _This_Perfect_Day_
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (mgraffam@idsi.net)
Sun Jan 24 20:22:38 1999
From: mgraffam@idsi.net
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 20:02:08 -0500 (EST)
To: Jean-Francois Avon <jf_avon@citenet.net>
cc: Canadian Firearm Digest <cdn-firearms-digest@broadway.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca>,
Cypherpunks <cypherpunks@toad.com>,
=?iso-8859-1?q?Le_Qu=E9becois_Libre?= <libre@colba.net>,
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia <Sporting.Shooters.Association@adelaide.on.net>
In-Reply-To: <199901250012.TAA06486@cti06.citenet.net>
Reply-To: mgraffam@idsi.net
On Sun, 24 Jan 1999, Jean-Francois Avon wrote:
> Everybody knows George Orwell's story pretty well. In that story,
> essentially, the main character revolts against the system but in the end
> loses to it. It not only loses physically but also morally. The main
> character ends up with a broken mind and will and is only a shadow of what he
> used to be. The conclusion conveyed by this book is that there's no way you
> can win against a big government.
I'd say there is a more fundamental lesson to 1984 than that. While it is
true that Winston failed, I think it is clear that Orwell's message was
that Winston still had to try. The way that Orwell portrays the time that
Winston and Julia spent together in pure defiance of the Party is telling.
To my mind, Orwell makes it clear while an individual may (even must)
fail, nevertheless, the only worthwhile way to live is in rebellion.
And, more to the point .. that a few months in rebellion is worth more
than a lifetime of subserviance.
I have never talked to a person who said that they would have not rebelled
as Winston did, even taking into account his fate. Winton's failing isn't
an example of why one should obey the Party, rather it is a map of what
to do (and what not to do) next time.
I have always found 1984 to be positive in this respect .. the idea that
one can live a life worth living even in the most impossibly oppressive
environments, if only one endeavors to be a man. That life won't last
for long; but then it never does.
But, I suppose that this interpretation is heavily influenced by my
naturally stubborn, rebellious nature.
> I thanks my french teacher to have us read it!
>
> I strongly suggest reading your read Ira Levin's book. Apparently, you
> can get it from www.amazon.com even if it is out of print.
It does sound very interesting. I'd certainly like to read it. Too bad I
don't speak French :)
Michael J. Graffam (mgraffam@idsi.net)
