Socrates: Ask a Book

1984's Answer

My opening lines symbolize the oppressive and totalitarian world of Oceania, which is the setting of the novel. The opening line is "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." This represents the disorientation and confusion of the citizens of Oceania, who are constantly monitored and restricted by the government and its leader, Big Brother. The clocks striking thirteen symbolizes the abnormality of their world, and the lack of control they have over it.