April 22, 2005

Like A Jelly

Book #19
I have just re-read 1984, by George Orwell. It must be about 15 years since the last time I read it, and of course my view and my understanding of the world has changed a lot since then. Pete and I were discussing it in bed last night* and I asserted that every genereration that reads it is probably astonished at how true it is.
I was particularly struck by this passage:

For long periods the High [classes] seem to be securely in power, but… They are then overthrown by the Middle, who enlist the Low on their side by pretending to them that they are fighting for liberty and justice. As soon as they have reached their objective, the Middle thrust the Low back into their old position of servitude, and themselves become the High.

I think this would be a good party political broadcast for the dreadful Mr Howard.
4/5
*I know, it used to be all squeaky bedposts, these days it’s literary discussion. Such is love.

Karen

1 thought on “Like A Jelly

  1. Radio 2 are serialising it on Friday nights – it’s wonderful to have some husky-voiced type read it to you.

Comments are closed.