who is big brother?

[jake the snake]

me and my mates were having a convo about this, what actually is big brother?

[A Mum]

I could be totally wrong here

But....

I think that the term 'Big brother' came about by a book that was written called 1984 by George Orwell.

I was supposed to read it for English in year 10 I think it was.
Nope, never did... so can't tell you anymore than that

[GWW]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteen_Eighty-Four

[jake the snake]

so am i right in saying that anyone who closely spies/looksover someone could be refered to as "big brother"

[A Mum]

All those years ago....
When the teacher was explaining to us what 'Big Brother' was....
He said that it was like someone watching every move you make...
Hence the TV show/spin off.

So IMO, yes

[Psyber]

If I remember correctly, 1984 was a novel about the authoritarian state and "Big Brother" was the term for the allegedly kindly dictator.
It is a long time since I read it, but the term entered the English language as one to describe that kind of authoritarian interference in the everyday life of the people..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brothe ... ighty-Four)

[HH3]

Just reading the Wikipedia stuff makes me want to read the book. Gonna have to hit Borders in the city up i think.

[FattyLumpkin]

George has also writen a few other books worthy of your attention. Animal House, Keep the apidistra flying etc

[Dogwatcher]

George Orwell - he's the man.

[Psyber]

HH3, you may also enjoy Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451", which is on a similar theme.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahrenheit_451

[MatteeG]

Stop it Psyber! You are bringing back bad memories of year 11 English!! We studied both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451!!

[zipzap]

Stop it Psyber! You are bringing back bad memories of year 11 English!! We studied both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451!!

Same! Don't forget Brave New World, another similar book. 1984 is possibly my favourite (if that's the right word) book, at least it probably did my head in more than any other. Depressing yet so relevant. The John Hurt / Richard Burton movie is equally superb, despite the Eurythmics soundtrack!

[ubeauty]

Stop it Psyber! You are bringing back bad memories of year 11 English!! We studied both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451!!

Same! Don't forget Brave New World, another similar book. 1984 is possibly my favourite (if that's the right word) book, at least it probably did my head in more than any other. Depressing yet so relevant. The John Hurt / Richard Burton movie is equally superb, despite the Eurythmics soundtrack!

a book did your head in???..........your kidding right????

[Dog_ger]

If BIG BROTHER is watching me.......

He is wasting his resources.....

They could be better spent on something else.

Mr Big Brother (eye in the sky)

I have nothing to hide

[Pseudo]

Just reading the Wikipedia stuff makes me want to read the book. Gonna have to hit Borders in the city up i think.

If you're a tightwad then you can legally download it from Project Gutenberg for FREE, since it is now in the public domain in Australia:
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks01/0100021h.html

Excellent book BTW, one of my favourites. Check out the 80s-era movie adaptation too.

[Pseudo]

The John Hurt / Richard Burton movie is equally superb, despite the Eurythmics soundtrack!

Agree the movie was superb, but the soundtrack recorded by the Eurythmics was largely ignored by the producer. Only a few snippets made it into the movie.

The Eurythmics released the soundtrack anyway, as an album titled "1984 (for the love of Big Brother)". Personally I love the album; I reckon it's the Eurythmics' best work

[Q.]

Stop it Psyber! You are bringing back bad memories of year 11 English!! We studied both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451!!

Same! Don't forget Brave New World, another similar book. 1984 is possibly my favourite (if that's the right word) book, at least it probably did my head in more than any other. Depressing yet so relevant. The John Hurt / Richard Burton movie is equally superb, despite the Eurythmics soundtrack!

My two favourite books

[HH3]

I finished school in 2005 and had never heard of these books until reading this thread.

[zipzap]

a book did your head in???..........your kidding right????

ubeauty, this one goes out to you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvs2g5Nj0NI

"Wellll....looks like we got ourselfs a reader."

[ubeauty]

ya'll think readin dem book makes u smart....well god damn it u gotta notha thing comin!!!!

god damn hot diggity dog!!!!....