Will Kitchen, "Culture, Capital and Carnival: Modern Media and the Representation of Work" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

"Rabelais and His World" explores the world of the French Renaissance writer François Rabelais, focusing on the themes of carnival, grotesque realism, and popular culture in his works. Bakhtin examines how Rabelais used humor, satire, and the subversion of social hierarchies to challenge established norms and values. The book delves into the symbolism of the carnival, where traditional roles and power structures are temporarily overturned, and the grotesque body, which celebrates the material and bodily aspects of human existence. Bakhtin argues that Rabelais's work embodies a unique form of folk culture that offers a powerful critique of authority and celebrates the liberating potential of laughter and the common people. This analysis provides insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the Renaissance and the enduring relevance of Rabelais's vision.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is a novella that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator, a bitter and alienated individual who rails against reason and societal norms. The work is considered a precursor to existentialist literature, exploring themes of isolation, nihilism, and the human condition. Dostoevsky's masterful use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the narrator's turbulent thoughts and emotions. The novella's exploration of free will and the complexities of human psychology continues to resonate with readers today. Its influence on literature and philosophy is undeniable, shaping the works of later writers and thinkers.

"The Lesson of the Master" tells the story of Henry St. George, a renowned novelist, and Paul Overt, a young aspiring writer. Paul seeks guidance from St. George, who advises him to avoid the distractions of family and worldly success to focus solely on his art. However, the story takes an ironic turn when St. George himself seems to manipulate Paul to clear the path for his own personal happiness. The novella explores themes of artistic sacrifice, the complexities of mentorship, and the disillusionment that can come with pursuing one's ambitions. It examines the tensions between personal fulfillment and artistic dedication.