1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell, first published in 1949. The novel is set in a future world where the government, known as the Party, controls every aspect of life. The protagonist, Winston Smith, is a low-ranking member of the Party who works in the Ministry of Truth, where he is responsible for rewriting history to suit the Party's agenda. Winston is deeply unhappy with the oppressive regime and begins to rebel against it.
The novel begins with Winston living in a state of perpetual fear and oppression. He is constantly monitored by the Thought Police, who are responsible for detecting and punishing any sign of dissent. Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, where he is responsible for rewriting history to suit the Party's agenda. He is also a member of the Outer Party, which is the lowest social class in the society.
Winston meets Julia, a fellow Outer Party member, and the two begin a secret affair. They rent a room in the prole district, where they can be free from the Party's surveillance. Winston and Julia also join a secret organization called the Brotherhood, which is dedicated to overthrowing the Party.
The Party eventually discovers Winston and Julia's activities and arrests them. They are taken to the Ministry of Love, where they are subjected to intense psychological torture. Winston is eventually broken and confesses to all of his crimes against the Party. He is released back into society, but he is a changed man. He has been completely brainwashed and now loves Big Brother, the leader of the Party.
The novel ends with Winston sitting in a café, watching a telescreen and thinking about the Party's slogan: “Big Brother is watching you.” The novel is a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the power of propaganda. It is a powerful and thought-provoking story that has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.