1984. Animal Farm. Long Live the Ficus!

"1984" is a kind of antithesis to the second great dystopia of the 20th century — Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World." What is essentially scarier: a "consumer society" brought to absurdity — or an "idea society" taken to the absolute? According to Orwell, nothing can be more terrifying than total unfreedom... "Animal Farm" is a parable filled with humor and sarcasm. Can a humble farm become a symbol of a totalitarian society? Of course, yes. But... how will this society be seen by its "citizens" — the animals doomed to slaughter? "Long Live the Ficus!" is a bitter, ironic novel, largely autobiographical. The main character is Gordon Comstock, an unrecognized poet, a failed writer, forced to work in an advertising agency to make a living. He has a true talent for creating slogans, but his job fills him with disgust, appearing as a caricature of literary creativity. He despises material values and the banality of everyday life, symbolized by the ficus in the window. He blames money for all his failures, but proud poverty only leads him deeper into depression… Comstock needs to understand that besides high art, there are also simple joys, and there is nothing shameful in the desire to earn money. What will save him?