The world is divided into the three hostile power blocs of Oceania, Eurasia and East Asia, which are at permanent war with each other. The action of the novel takes place in Oceania, which includes North and South America, the British Isles, Australia and southern Africa. In the dictatorial and totalitarian state, a party elite (Inner Party) led by Big Brother - who is never really visible - oppresses the remaining party members (Outer Party) and the broad mass of the people, the "proles." The ...