1984 - George Orwell - part 1

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Part 1

Discussion

In groups of 4, discuss the meaning of the three Party slogans.

3 minutes

The Party

• The authoritarian government uses propaganda to manipulate and control its citizens.
• Each slogan is a paradox: "a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true." (Oxford Dictionary)
• Theme: manipulation through destruction of words and their meaning.

War is Peace

Excuse: war must be fought to maintain peace.

War unites against a common enemy. The threat of constant war ensures submission and keeps citizens from rebelling.

Freedom is Slavery

Excuse: someone who is "free" will ultimately be unsuccessful.

True freedom is serving the state; you accomplish more as a slave than on your own.

Ignorance is Strength

Excuse: knowledge makes you unhappy.

The Party needs its citizens to be ignorant of their intentions (total control), so they'll stay content and won't rebel.

What is 'doublethink'?

Doublethink is a form of indoctrination or 'reality control': citizens are forced to accept conflicting beliefs as truth. 

Example: Four years ago, Oceania was at war with Eastasia and allied with Eurasia, whereas now the Party says they have always been at war with Eurasia and allied with Eastasia.

What is Winston's job?

He works for the Ministry of Truth. His task is to rewrite newspaper articles so the party can indoctrinate people with false data about the war and the Party's victories.

What is Julia a member of? What does it promote?

Who are Emmanuel Goldstein and O'Brian?

Explain Winstons emotions as described on page 30.

Describe Winston's feelings when reading the flashback on p. 31-32.

What do we learn about the cause of the war between Oceania/Eurasia and Eastasia?

1. assassination prime minister
2. atomic bomb
3. Russian invasion
4. Chinese invasion

What is meant by 'newspeak'?

Besides the Ministry of Truth, what are the 3 others and what do they deal with?

Who was Katharina and in what way had she been transformed?

Who are the Proles and what role does Winston see for them?

Who are Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford?

Winston lives in what used to be London. What is it called now?

Crash Course

Need a little help understanding the deeper layers of 1984? Watch the video on the following slide for a crash course on part 1 by John Green (whom you may know as the author of "The Fault in Our Stars")