Orwell: Reflections On 1984 (2/2)

It isn't obvious what a prudent or wise reader should do with 1984. Is it a warning to be heeded? A commentary on the human spirit? Should we be frightened or inspired? Orwell offers several threads, themes and questions begging to be explored. The three most pressing are reflections on fear, the human spirit, family as a bulwark against tyranny, and the coal-miner objection to capitalism. These reflections are analyzed and discussed.

Episode Notes

• The featured piece is Adagio in G minor by Remo Giazotto (1910––1998). This was suggested to me for 1984 for its ominous strings, and I think it fits well.