1984 Book Tag (Original)

For those who didn’t know, today is the 70th anniversary of the publication of 1984 by George Orwell. It was published on June 8, 1949. I read this work earlier this year, and absolutely loved it, even if it is horribly depressing. However, since today is the 70th anniversary, I thought it would be fun to do a book tag inspired by the book.

Unfortunately, after exploring the internet, I could not find anyone who had created a 1984-themed book tag. So, I’m creating one now! Here we go.

Big Brother

Name a book featuring a powerful cult, dictator, etc.

The Lost Continent of Mu by James Churchward

Technically, this book itself is not about a cult, but it does describe cult beliefs which argue firmly for the existence of the continent of Mu (similar to Atlantis). Several occultists (like Mex Heindel) have developed almost a religion around the theory, known as a pseudoarchaeology (archaeological religion based not on facts but a faith).

Julia

Name a literary romance doomed from the beginning

Skeeter and Stuart from The Help

Putting aside their awkward first meeting, we all knew it wouldn’t last with these two, mostly because their goals in life and values were so different. Skeeter was focused on her career and Stuart wanted a housewife (neither is wrong, by the way, but they certainly weren’t on the same page). So, yes, their relationship was doomed from the start.

Doublethink

Name a book/character who seriously did not make sense or constantly contradicted itself

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Come to think of it, most of the time this book makes no sense. I understand it’s supposed to be a comedy, but rules of the world are constantly contradicted and characters’ actions often don’t fit with their initial development. But maybe that is the point of this book…

Winston Smith

A character living a secret life

Sir Percy Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel

I know, this is an obvious answer. But who doesn’t love Sir Percy Blakeney and his horrendous attempts at poetry? It’s one of my favorite classics, and such a perfect examine of one person living two opposite lives.

Ministry of Truth

A book filled with propaganda or a very obvious message (positive or negative)

Perelandra (The Spacy Trilogy #2) by C.S. Lewis

I’m waiting to write a review for this trilogy until after I finish the last book. However, I loved the first book and hated this one. The main reason is that this one is pretty much a retelling of Eve in the garden from the Bible, but instead of seamlessly weaving Christian ideals into the story, Lewis bonks you over the head with it. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who is Christian, so I share similar beliefs to Lewis, and this book still bothered me.

Mr. Charrington

A character who loves collecting things

Montgomery Montgomery from The Reptile Room

This is the second book of The Series of Unfortunate Events, which I loved as a kid. This character collects amphibians and reptiles (snakes, frogs, etc.). If he existed in real life, Montgomery would surely be someone I tried to avoid. I’m kind of against snakes in general.

Room 101

A place in a book which changes the perception of a character (for better or worse)

Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz

Quo Vadis tells the story of Marcus Vinitius, who is a Roman soldier in Ancient Rome. When he is staying in the house of a Roman noble, he falls in love with their foster daughter Ligia, who just happens to be a Christian. Yes, the story is one of conversion, very similar to The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas (which easily could have been the answer to this question too). While in that house, Marcus eventually sees that Christians (whom he also persecuted) are not bad, and his perception of the world changes.

O’Brian

A character who betrays another character

Henry VIII from A Man For All Seasons

This is such an amazing play. If you don’t know the historical story, Henry VIII and Thomas More were close friends, until Henry tried to divorce Catherine of Aragon and Thomas (a strong Catholic) could not support him. What does Henry do but turn on his friend, a man who has been loyal to his through his entire life, and execute him? With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Everyman

Name an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary adventures/troubles

Edward Prendick from The Island of Dr. Moreau

Imagine this: you’ve just an ordinary guy who crashes on an island and finds it inhabited from horrifying spliced monsters who want nothing more then to eat your face off. If you can imagine it, you’re picturing exactly what Edward Prendick goes through in this book.

Emmanuel Goldstein

A character who never actually enters a novel but is instrumental to the story.

Galbatorix from Eragon

Even though King Galbatorix is the main villain in this series and is the reason all these people are trying to kill Eragon, he doesn’t come into this book at all. And yet he is very much mentioned throughout the story. I never got far enough in this series to actually meet him, as I stopped at the second book (I should try to finish this series one of these days).

I had so much fun doing this tag! If you don’t get all the references, or you haven’t read 1984, I highly recommend it. It isn’t exactly a happy book, but Orwell wrote it more as a warning for future generations not to give any government too much power. Its a sobering tale. If you are curious to read my full thoughts on the book, here’s my review.

As always, I won’t be tagging anyone, but if you do end up doing this tag, I would love to know your answers. Let me know your thoughts about this book or any other book/character I mentioned down in the comments, follow my blog for more musings and, as always,

Best wishes in your life full of adventure,

Madame Writer