Many modern stories seem to parallel classic novels. Even though the context may be the same, or even the initial conflict, the modern story can still present new content different from the novel it was inspired by. Alan Moore's graphic novel, V for Vendetta, appears to be heavily influenced by George Orwell's novel, Nineteen Eight-Four. Both stories, set in England's dystopian future, have a government that controls the population through fear and manipulation, but the similarities between these two stories are superficial. V for Vendetta is different from Nineteen Eight-Four because of the atmosphere of the stories, the empowerment of the protagonists, and the rebirth. The tone of both stories is initially one of despair. Winston and Evey each become disillusioned with their government and strive to fight back after falling in with charismatic conspirators, but the results are quite different. Winston is forced to accept that he has been ineffective at every turn and never had a real chance to bring about change, while Evey witnesses a true catalyst and is inspired to continue to fight. This feeling of hope does not only germinate in the protagonist of the story, the general public is moved by the actions of V. The ultimate lessons of these stories are poles apart; in V for Vendetta there is still hope despite all efforts to crush it, but in Nineteen Eight-Four there is no hope despite all efforts to start it. The ability to differentiate is itself a difference between these fictional worlds. Orwell's government is a self-perpetuating machine, and the measures are already in place to ensure its continued existence, whoever is in charge or whatever the political climate; no head can be separated from a seat of power to disable or paralyze this government. Winston and Julia attempt to be more than just victims of their environments, but ultimately fail, because one person, two people, or even a revolution cannot dismantle the system. Society's participation in this government is marginalized to the point that it does not matter who opposes it. In contrast, Moore's fascist state is run by a single man at the top of the power pyramid, and when it is overthrown, no one is clearly in a position to take control. Evey and V succeed in their opposition, because in the world of V for Vendetta, one man can make a difference, even if that difference is only to inspire others to make their own difference..