1984

You should read 1984 while self-isolating because it provides a much-needed escape from reality. An oppressive, totalitarian government forces citizens to comply with its every whim. Any form of individualism has been stripped away. Following the narrative of Winston, the reader falls into a world of absolute hopelessness. By escaping into the world of dark fiction, readers give themselves a chance to escape their own less than ideal circumstances. In a time of self-isolation, readers can find comfort in remembering that Winston is powerless in his situation, but they can control their circumstances by choosing to stay home. It reminds readers that 1984's dystopian world is far worse than the situation readers currently face. Dystopian novels such as 1984 encourage escapism into an elaborate world of hyper surveillance where citizens are powerless over what they are allowed to say or even think. In dark fiction, readers can glean a better outlook on their own situation. They can rejoice in their ability to think freely, even in self-isolation. While enjoying 1984, readers can have a reprieve from the anxieties of current events. ^[1]

[P1] People can escape into a world darker than their own by reading dystopias. [P2] 1984 is a classic dystopian novel. [P3] While self-isolating, people should read 1984 to escape their current situation.