Charlemagne

“...he would exist just as authentically, and upon the same evidence, as Charlemagne...” (Page 132)

Charlemagne is known historically to be the King of the Franks and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire during the late eighth and early ninth centuries. At the time of his coronation, the kingdom of the Franks - an area located in western Europe - had fallen into a decline. Citizens of this empire had begun to readopt their barbaric tendencies and had begun to neglect religion and education. As a result, Charlemagne took it upon himself to strengthen his realm and bring order to Europe. By establishing a stable government, Charlemagne was able to restore much of the Roman Empire and was thus crowned emperor. During his lifetime, Charlemagne was able gain rule over what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands as well as parts of Italy, Germany, Austria, and Spain. Orwell includes this reference because like Charlemagne, Big Brother is determined to maintain order. Although Big Brother’s pretenses contrast with those of Charlemagne’s, the two are nonetheless similar. Orwell also references Charlemagne because of his vast empire which corresponds to Big Brother’s Oceania.

"Charlemagne | King of the Franks | Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and Information Resource. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96apr/charlemagne.html.

Charlemagne. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.searchingthescriptures.net/main_pages/articles/instrumental_music_in_church/artwork/charlemagne.jpg.