1984 Book Covers

In 1948, George Orwell wrote the book 1984 (do you see the little number switcheroo there). It is one of the most famous books in history, and for good reason. In this novel Orwell immerses the reader in a dystopian society in which the government has not only absolute power, but also absolute surveillance. The novel focuses on an ordinary man, Winston Smith, and the journey he goes on when trying to bring down this tyrannical government. It's been over 70 years since this novel was first published, and as a result there are now many different covers that this story has, each cover with a unique meaning of its own.


This first cover is the Collection 1000 Soleils version by the French publisher Gallimard. In the foreground you can see a man, who we can assume is Winston Smith, staring up at a strange eyeball in the sky. Smith's outfit here is something to take note of. For those who have read the book they could discern that it characterizes Winston as an Outer Party member. However for those who haven't they will just be able to tell that whoever this man is, he has little to no control in his life. The outfit's simple color scheme and design make the viewer almost think of a soldier's uniform. The other main aspect of this cover is the eyeball. Not only is it unique for being ginormous and imbedded into the sky, but it is also has psudopolycoria (one eyeball with two pupils). The eyeball is in the sky in order to introduce the reader to the massive theme of surveillance that is seen in the book, as well as to show the reader the omnipresent power of Big Brother. Big Brother's power is further displayed by the psudopolycoria nature of the eyeball. This unique characteristic shows the reader that the government/Big Brother knows everything and that nothing is ever private or one's own.

The second cover has two focus points and is similar to the first cover's layout. The first focus point is the head in the sky. What makes this head unique though is that the upper half is gone. In replace of it is an enormous speaker system is pointing in all directions. The head is a symbol for Big Brother, and the speakers are there to represent how far reaching Big Brother's power is. Propaganda is a big focus for the Party and Big Brother, and these speakers help to convey that to the reader. We can only see speakers facing three directions but we can assume that there is a fourth on the back of the head, this would make a complete 360 degree range. Another peculiar trait that Big Brother has on this cover is the lack of eyes. Given that eyes are often the most defining physical trait that a person has, the reader feels a sense of mystery at the identity of Big Brother. This, combined with the 360 degree speaker system, makes the viewer feel as if this cover and story are panopticons; there is constantly spewing propaganda yet no real knowledge about the real source of said propaganda. The other key point of this cover is the walls. These walls are colored with a grayish brown color to symbolize power and sturdiness. As you look further and further into the distance you can see the walls continue on into what seems like infinity; this is done to express the theme of feeling helplessly trapped.

While these two covers are depicting the same story, they are very different. Cover 1 has a much more peaceful atmosphere, one that promotes mental relaxation and almost an unconditional acceptance of one's surroundings. This can be seen through the relaxed color scheme of a soft yellow and warm orange. This atmosphere is further expressed by the relaxed eye, it is not glaring at Winston, merely watching calmly. The second cover contrasts greatly. A distressed/fierce face make the viewer immediately feel fearful. This fearful mood is seen again in the harsh bright red that seems to be coming from the horizon. Not only is there aggressive visual components of this cover but there are also auditory ones. The enormous speakers make the viewer feel as if there is no escape from Big Brother's propaganda. The two covers do share the similarity of having a powerful being in the sky though. Both covers have this larger than self entity that exhibits power and strength. These two beings are a symbol for Big Brother and his strength. The two covers differ again in their foregrounds. Cover 1 has Winston looking up at the Big Brother eye, almost stand offish. While in Cover 2 Winston is not there. Instead, there are infinitely long walls that portray power and unbreakableness.

While there were many differences between these two covers, each was successful in its own way. And while a book's cover is important and can be analyzed deeply, one should remember.... don't judge a book by its cover.