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by rightbyte 496 days ago
I think quotes like this should be attributed to the character (the secret police commissaire?) not the author?
3 comments

Including 1984 in the cite makes it clear IMO.

I referenced 1984 in comment this morning related to websites disappearing. We’ve (always|never) been at was with Eurasia…

Ye I get that but my main point is that it is not Orwell the real person that is quoted, but a fictional character that is a high level official in a dystopic police agency. If you haven't read the book it might be as Orwell the author is complicit.

But sry might be a nitpick and obvious from context.

I’m old and have read 1984 many times. But to your point, it doesn’t mean everyone has. Your note provides useful clarification. Cheers!
Alternately, if there were two layers of quoting (here, adding a >) then the outer layer would more-clearly refer to the book, rather than the lines of the character.
It’d be a point against in a formal debate, but in casual conversation it’s safe to assume your audience passed junior high and is familiar with the work.