Science fiction remains one of the most popular genres across all media. Countless movies and TV shows are released every year, reinterpreting it in new and decidedly modern ways. However, it is perhaps in literature that sci-fi endures most, with greater freedom to explore and defy its boundaries than any other medium. Many of the genre’s greatest masterpieces originated as books, and one of the most seminal and eerily prophetic of all time, George Orwell‘s <em>1984</em>, was published 77 years ago.
Deservedly, 1984 has become an outright institution of sci-fi, influencing countless stories in the years since and predicting a future that, while far bleaker and more unforgiving, is remarkably similar to many realities we face today. It also contributed significantly to language, introducing terms like “thoughtcrime” and “doublethink” into our lexicon. Indeed, it is perhaps in its writing that 1984 shines brightest, featuring genuinely thought-provoking and visceral lines that linger long after reading. In fact, 1984 may have the best final line in sci-fi history, four words that deliver an incredible emotional punch and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
What Is ‘1984’ About?
Image via Penguin Books
Orwell’s 1984 is set at an uncertain point in the future (widely presumed to be the same as the title) controlled by the totalitarian state Oceania, with places like the UK becoming its colonies. Oceania is ruled by Big Brother, whose intense cult of personality is overseen, encouraged, and safeguarded by the Thought Police. Propaganda, global mass surveillance, and history revisionism are employed by the Thought Police to maintain Big Brother’s power and keep the masses subdued. In turn, Oceania is administered by several ministries, including the Ministry of Love (or Miniluv in the novel’s “Newspeak”), the Ministry of Peace (Minipax), and the Ministry of Plenty (Miniplenty). “Big Brother is watching” serves as their slogan to reinforce the leader’s influence and control while keeping the population in check.
The protagonist is Winston Smith, an employee of the Ministry of Truth in London, whose job involves rewriting historical records to better conform to Oceania’s new guidelines. Secretly, he despises both Big Brother and Oceania, dreaming of rebellion while writing his thoughts in a diary. Things change when he meets Julia, a fellow ministry worker with whom he begins a clandestine sexual affair that ultimately leads to love, making them criminals since Oceania only permits love for Big Brother. As their connection deepens, Winston learns more about Big Brother’s political rival, Emmanuel Goldstein, discovering from a book Goldstein wrote how the Party maintains its power through a state of perpetual war.
What Is the Final Line in ‘1984’?
Image via Birlinn Ltd
1984 features one of the bleakest third acts in literary history. Months into their affair, Winston and Julia are captured by the Thought Police, imprisoned at Miniluv, and subjected to months of intense torture and reconditioning. O’Brien, a member of the Inner Party whom Winston suspected was a spy but ultimately turns out to be an undercover member of the Thought Police, reveals that the Brotherhood, supposedly an underground movement against Big Brother, might not be real at all and that Goldstein’s book was actually written by him and other Party members. As part of his final torture, Winston is taken to Room 101 and threatened with flesh-eating rats. Ultimately, Winston succumbs to despair, requests that Julia endure the torture instead, and conforms.
The book concludes with a final meeting between Winston and Julia, both hollow shells of their former selves. They confess their mutual betrayal and acknowledge that no feelings of love exist between them anymore. As Winston watches news about yet another purported victory in Oceania’s perpetual state of conflict, he demonstrates his reeducation’s effectiveness by accepting his genuine love for the oppressive state. “He loved Big Brother” are the words that conclude 1984, ending this ordeal on such a depressing note that one cannot help but sit there absorbing what they just read while trying to make sense of it.
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars
Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia or galaxy you’d actually make it out alive.
The Matrix
Mad Max
Blade Runner
Dune
Star Wars
01
You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.
08
What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing having a reason to is another.
You’d Survive In…
Your answers point to world your instincts were built for This universe your temperament survival instincts particular brand stubbornness were made for.
The Resistance Zion
You took red pill long time ago probably before anyone offered it to you You’re systems thinker who can’t help but notice seams things.
- You’re drawn understanding how system works before figuring out how break it.
- You’d find Resistance or would find you your instinct spotting constructed realities machines worst nightmare.
- You function best when have access information freedom act on it.
- The Matrix built airtight prison You’d be probing walls door.
The Wasteland
The wasteland doesn’t reward clever well-connected — rewards those who are hard kill harder break That’s you.
- You don’t need comfort community cause larger than next horizon.
- You need vehicle clear threat enough fuel outrun it you’re good all three.
- You are unsentimental enough survive world decent enough just barely something more another raider.
- In wasteland that distinction everything.
Los Angeles2049
You’d survive here because know how exist moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.
- You read people accurately keep your circle small ask questions others prefer not answer.
- In city where humanity legal designation rather than feeling hold onto something keeps you functional.
- You’re not hero But you’re not lost either.
- In Blade Runner’s world distinction everything.
Arrakis
Arrakis most hostile environment known universe — you precisely kind person rewards.
- Patience discipline political awareness core strengths — Arrakis survival tools.
- You understand long game matters more any single victory.
- Others come Dune consumed by You’d learn logic earn respect.
- You wouldn’t just survive Arrakis begin reshape it.
- Find meaning being part something larger than yourself cause crew rebellion .
- You’d gravitate toward Rebellion fringes whatever pocket galaxy still believes Empire grip can broken .
- You fight not because have but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable .
- Star Wars willingness makes all difference .
A Galaxy Far Far Away
Galaxy far far away vast loud constant state violent political upheaval wouldn’t have any other way .
Why Is ‘1984’s Final Line So Powerful?
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