John Canyon answers “I'm reading this for school and I really...”

Corrina asked this question about 1984:

I'm reading this for school and I really like it so far but I'm kind of confused on what Big Brother actually is?

John Canyon Yep, as others have said. "Big Brother" is a symbol of the authoritarian rule of the government, in this case "ENGSOC" or if it's "INGSOC" in the book…moreYep, as others have said. "Big Brother" is a symbol of the authoritarian rule of the government, in this case "ENGSOC" or if it's "INGSOC" in the book I forget, but it is a play on a term for English Socialism, a kind of poking by Orwell at the Authoritarian drive in many socialists of even his own contemporaries. Big Brother is the portrait of the ruling party, used to give it a human presence in the minds of the people, when it is basically illusory that he exist. He may have never even lived, but is symbolic of the love and strength of the party. Also he is a warning to not step out of line from conformity to the party's political narratives. It's reminiscent of the Soviet Era very much in full swing during the 40's when the book was written. Lenin's portrait in red as both strength and tyranny, but also as protector of the fatherland type of thing. So basically, he's the portrait of the State, and the personification of the one party that rules it.(less)

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