From1984to1Q84: On The Loss And Reconstruction Of Human Subjectivity

Abstract:1984is a time-tested masterpiece by British writer George Orwell.1Q84, is asalute to Orwell’s1984, according to the writer Murakami Haruki, who clearly indicated thathe was actually writing about the year of1984. Till now, however there are only simplecomparisons between the subjects of the two novels, hence a comprehensive decoding isneeded.1984is a predicts novel written by Orwell in1948，while1Q84is a kind of surreal reviewmonogatari written by Haruki Murakami in2009. Orwell illustrates negative consequencesmay have thorough the year of1984in the novel. But for modern society, which worriesHaruki Murakami may be deeper layer.The "Subjectivity" has been an all-time concerned theme within the realm of philosophy.In the process of development, on the one hand, the basic point of subjectivity is people’snatural instinct and unconscious; on the other hand, the natural human desire has always beendisciplined by system.When I was going through the two novels, I found that they both showed the process anddisastrous consequences of the loss of human subjectivity, as well as the individual’s survivalstate under various historical contexts. This thesis will try to explore the two authors’ paths ofbreaking through while they are both discussing the loss of subjectivity. In their writings, theyboth attempt to reestablish it with all kinds of methods, and show how human, as the subject,fights depression and searches for freedom.Centering on "Subjectivity", I will do a detailed comparative analysis of the two,including the typological similarities and dissimilarities under different nation’s historicalcontexts, brought out by political shackles, obliterations of history, and attempts to alter aperson through physical tortures. I will try to investigate their concealed cultural andphilosophical meanings in a micro interpreting manner, and then return to the macro field ofliterature to observe modern people’s living status.This paper is divided into five main parts:A. The introduction is the research status of the two works and the introduction of twowriters creation background, and combing through the "Subjectivity", pointed out that thearticle tries to proceeds its analysis based on this fact.B. Sorting out the process of the loss of subjectivity in the two novels. I will compareand analyze man’s living status in different periods of history using the contrast of "BigBrother" and "Little People". C. Analyzing the ways of reserving subjectivity in the two. In1984, Winston is reachingout for empathy under an authoritarian iron curtain. On the other hand, Murakami is unfoldingin front of us a confusing parallel world, where the protagonists are looking for an exit, in1Q84.D. Being trapped in the subjectivity dilemma, these two writers are also looking for anexit. Orwell wrote down the tragedy in which Smith fell back into the devil’s claws. And in1Q84, Murakami buries his hope in a tale that Tengo and Aomame joining hands, embracing anew life.E. The conclusion part concludes the thesis.