Totalitarian Novels: History and Language in 1984

Totalitarian Novels: History and Language in 1984

Author: Hillsdale College March 12, 2025 Duration: 39:28

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how totalitarian states destroy the human spirit before introducing Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn.

Totalitarian novels depict regimes that exert complete and pervasive control over the lives of their subjects. George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Arthur Koestler, and C.S. Lewis imagine the terrible possibilities of unchecked modern tyranny. Join Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, and Hillsdale College students in this exploration of 1984, Brave New World, Darkness at Noon, and That Hideous Strength.

The course includes four lectures and four conversations, each about 30 minutes long. It is structured with one lecture about each book followed by a conversation between Dr. Arnn and the students about themes from that book. 

Orwell explores the possibility of a regime influencing human nature by controlling history and reforming language to limit the range of ideas its subjects can contemplate. Although the novel does not provide hope to the characters, the reader is inspired to courageous resistance against such a regime.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast delivers the core of a classical liberal arts education directly to your preferred listening app. Hosted by Online Learning Directors Kyle Murnen and Juan Davalos, this series transforms the college's foundational mission into an accessible audio format. Each episode serves as a lecture or discussion drawn from Hillsdale's complete, free online courses, covering enduring topics in history, government, culture, and the principles of a free society. You'll hear in-depth explorations of the ideas, events, and figures that have shaped Western civilization and American institutions, all presented with the clarity and depth of a classroom setting. The podcast is designed for lifelong learners seeking substantive content beyond the headlines, offering structured education through the convenience of an audio feed. Listen for thoughtful commentary that introduces each course's themes, followed by the full lecture material, allowing you to engage with rigorous academic content on your own schedule. This is more than a series of talks; it's a curated curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations necessary for informed citizenship and personal enrichment.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Introduction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol." By taking this course, you’ll learn profound lessons from the Ghosts of Christ…
American Citizenship and Its Decline: The Global Elite [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how much the COVID Pandemic changed their understanding of government overreach before introducing Dr. Victor Davis Hanson. Citiz…
American Citizenship and Its Decline: The Unelected Deep State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the rapid growth of the federal government introducing Victor Davis Hanson. Citizenship is rare in human history but essential to…
American Citizenship and Its Decline: The Rise of Tribal Politics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the source of tribal politics before introducing Dr.Victor Davis Hanson. Citizenship is rare in human history but essential to fr…
American Citizenship and Its Decline: The Disappearing Middle Class [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:29
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the economic roots of the decline of citizenship before introducing Victor Davis Hanson. Citizenship is rare in human history but…
American Citizenship and Its Decline: Introduction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:52
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "American Citizenship and Its Decline." Citizenship is rare in human history but essential to free government. Today…
The History of Classical Music: Beethoven and Schubert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:41
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan (and a very special guest) discuss the groundbreaking work of Ludwig van Beethoven before introducing Dr. Hyperion Knight. In “The Histor…