It was a dark warm day in June, and the clocks were striking thirteen when George Orwell published his ninth and final book, Nineteen Eighty-Four. The dystopia that the novel recounts has since run the world in a storm. Whether it is the subversion of science as a sign of widespread indoctrination or the study of the role of language in manipulation (as an English student, the appendix on ‘The Principles of Newspeak’ is jaw-dropping), the story of desperation and control has changed the perspective of modern society on totalitarianism. This happened in 1949.
Now, 2024 has just been left behind in the calendars. Last year, the world was once again shocked by wars, attacks, and elections; the Doomsday Clock was pushed closer to midnight and does not hint at future relief. Long behind are the days of the First and Second World Wars which inspired the novel, with their struggle sessions, stochastic terrorism, and propaganda – but it is now that the plot appears to be the most faithful to reality.
In St Andrews, we are closer to experiencing the idyllic nature in which Winston and Julia hide than the Two Minutes Hate (we’re just that full with love and appreciation for each other). There is no Emmanuel Goldstein plotting our downfall (the closest thing we have might as well be stepping on the PH initials and having to live with the paranoia of potentially failing our degree); neither is there a Big Brother, staring at us from St Rule’s Tower.
Still, the town is swept by suggestions of one or another enemy of the people, attempts at galvanising the same freedom Winston tried to experience, and a pursuit for truth (Maths students will have a lot to say about two plus two being equal to five). So, St Andrews would be a hub of resistance were we in Oceania under the iron fist of the omnipresent Big Brother: this winter, we have remained a paragon of development and research, shedding light on the Earth’s geological warming and cooling, but also on the history of the nation. This is all done alongside an appreciation for innovation (assisting students through awards) and endless support, introducing new curriculums (like the one meant to help sport scholars).
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