The Contrast Between Barnhill and the Novel It Inspired

 

Today’s blogpost will be delving into Barnhill, a large farmhouse located on the remote Scottish island of Jura, specifically in the Inner Hebrides. This very house was one where Orwell had situated his writing spot when he wrote the entirety of his infamous novel, 1984. At a mere glance from the image of Barnhill alone, one can say that this house exudes an unmistakable sense of isolation, reflecting Orwell's desire for escape and solitude. His decision to leave the bustling city of London to the remote, off-grid area of Jura to achieve this very solitude. Barnhill is very far from just a house. Although it wasn’t specifically featured in the book itself, it had been Orwell’s muse and inspired the majority of his book, in multifaceted ways. Barnhill had large significance on the tone and mood of the novel, as well as the concepts we see in the novel and the dystopian world itself that unfolds.

Barnhill had a big impact on the tone and mood of "1984." The remote and isolated nature of the farmhouse mirrored the sense of seclusion and desolation that was spread through the entirety of the novel. The brooding, melancholic atmosphere that Jura creates, with its untouched landscapes, contributes to the eerie emptiness that likely influenced the tone and mood of "1984." As a result, Orwell creates an atmosphere of his own in the novel, one of brooding melancholy and introspection. The solitude and isolation of a remote island such as Jura allowed Orwell to immerse himself fully in his work, giving him the mental space, he needed and specifically sought out in order to further explore 1984’s central themes (deceiving, manipulation, oppressive power, loss of privacy, surveillance). This deserted landscape had given him inspiration to create a world devoid of privacy and freedom. This is a huge contrast to the serenity of Barnhill, especially considering the oppressive themes found within "1984". This contrast puts emphasis on the deep introspection, contemplation and exploration that went within Orwell’s writing process as well as that it had occurred within the confines of the farmhouse. 

Barnhill's influence also extends to the concepts and ideas that can be found in "1984." The very act of seeking refuge in Barnhill alone allowed Orwell to dive deep into his thoughts, creating concepts that would go on to shape the dystopian world he constructed in his novel, such as the "Big Brother" and "Thought Police"."Big Brother" is a symbol for a powerful and controlling government that watches and controls everything in people's lives. The "Thought Police" are the enforcers of this government, monitoring and punishing anyone who thinks or says something against the rules, making both concepts central to the themes found in 1984. Finally, Barnhill's role as a muse extended to the very creation of the dystopian world within "1984." The remote landscapes, untouched and desolate, acted as the blueprint for the bleak and confined environment of the novel. Orwell had essentially transformed the tranquilness and solitude of Jura into a world where privacy and freedom had been devoid, and totalitarianism reigned. The landscapes of Barnhill served as the backdrop for the creation of the Thought Police, Big Brother, and the constant surveillance, all of which were essential components of the dystopian Orwell created.

In "1984", the local surroundings and architectural style play an important role in establishing a dreary and oppressive atmosphere. The city landscape is thought of as gloomy and deteriorating, representing the regime's control and loss of freedom of speech. The architectural style is utilitarian and dictatorial, prioritizing utility over free speech and, as a result, contributing to a general sense of desolation and conformity. What I find particularly interesting is how this is such a distinct contrast to the location in which Orwell was writing the novel, with both the house and the island he was on giving him both complete freedom and control to write. 

Barnhill provided George Orwell with the space and isolation he needed to explore his thoughts and ideas, whereas "1984" depicts a dystopian society in which freedom and privacy have all but disappeared. In "1984", citizens are constantly under the watchful eye of the Thought Police and the all-encompassing presence of Big Brother. Individual freedoms are being repressed, and privacy has become a distant memory, replaced by constant surveillance and the repression of other voices. The bleak reality of this dystopian novel depicts a world far away from the freedom and solitude experienced by George Orwell at Barnhill. The dramatic and extremely ironic contrast between Barnhill and the world of "1984" emphasizes Orwell's creative process was greatly influenced by the farmhouse's isolation and independence. Barnhill provided Orwell with the space and serenity he needed to develop his ideas, while "1984" served as a sharp warning of what could happen when such freedom was destroyed. The interaction between these two environments demonstrates the importance of environment and isolation in influencing the narratives one could write.

Barnhill and its effect on "1984", despite having quite different atmospheres, are also linked to Wuthering Heights (both the house and the book). This is because the house had a strong influence on Bronte's novel. Both settings exemplify isolation and solitude, which influences the mood and tone of their novels. The isolated and miserable settings add to the powerful and haunting themes covered in each novel. With Wuthering Heights, it mainly focuses on the intense, passion-filled and turbulent relationships between characters, whereas 1984 is primarily about dystopian rule. Barnhill and Wuthering Heights are much more than simple houses, they serve as metaphors for the emotions, struggles and overall tone of the books - as well as the people themselves.

By: Jeanie Huynh