Skip to content

Kim il sung Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“The North Korean state was born at about the same time that Nineteen Eighty-Four was published, and one could almost believe that the holy father of the state, Kim Il Sung, was given a copy of the novel and asked if he could make it work in practice. Yet even Orwell did not dare to have it said…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
Download Open image
““The North Korean state was born at about the same time that Nineteen Eighty-Four was published, and one could almost believe that the holy father of the state, Kim Il Sung, was given a copy of the novel and asked if he could make it work in practice. Yet even Orwell did not dare to have it said that "Big Brother's" birth was attended by miraculous signs and portents - such as birds hailing the glorious event by singing in human words.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

Orwell's novel and North Korean state origins are linked, suggesting a prophetic narrative.

In simple terms: Orwell's book parallels North Korean origins.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how literature can reflect political realities.

Themes

politics literature prophecy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical scholarly

When to use this quote

  • academic essays
  • political commentary
  • media studies

Key Concepts

historical analysis cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How reliable are literary analogies?
  • What dangers arise from such comparisons?
A Different Perspective

Literary parallels may oversimplify complex histories.

3.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Christopher Hitchens

Explore all 1,241 Christopher Hitchens quotes

More Kim il sung quotes

Browse all 41 Kim il sung quotes