December 2009: 1984 by George Orwell

Newspeak

Can you find any examples of Newspeak in our contemporary language?

Room 101

Discuss the idea of Room 101, the place where everyone meets his or her worst fear. Keeping in mind that for most of Winston’s time at the Ministry of Love, he does not know what he will find in Room 101, what role does that uncertainty play in making Room 101 frightening? Does the cage of rats break Winston’s spirit, or does it merely play a symbolic role?

Technology

How does technology affect the Party’s ability to control its citizens? In what ways does the Party employ technology throughout the book?

Winston

Describe Winston’s character as it relates to his attitude toward the Party. In what ways might his fatalistic streak contribute to his ultimate downfall?

Julia

Describe Julia’s character as it relates to Winston. How is she different from him? How is she similar to him? How does Julia’s age make her attitude toward the Party very different from Winston’s?

Doublethink

Discuss the idea of doublethink. How important is doublethink to the Party’s control of Oceania? How important is it to Winston’s brainwashing?

Images and Ideas

1984 is full of images and ideas that do not directly affect the plot, but nevertheless attain thematic importance. What are some of these symbols and motifs, and how does Orwell use them?

Recommendation?

Would you recommend this novel to a friend?

Relatable?

How does 1984 relate to current politics/society/etc.?

Controversy

Why is 1984 controversial? Why has it been banned?

Setting

How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In any other time?

Central purpose

What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?

The end

Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?

Likeable?

Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?

Character

How does George Orwell reveal character in1984?

The conflicts

What are the conflicts in 1984? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are in this novel?

Title

What is important about the title?