1984 STUDY GUIDE/ESSAY QUESTIONS
- 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? How do the other characters in the novel aid in Winston’s development? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions.
- How does technology affect the Party’s ability to control its citizens? In what ways does the Party employ technology throughout the book? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions.
- 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? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions.
- What role does Big Brother play within the novel? What effect does he have on Winston? Is Winston’s obsession with Big Brother fundamentally similar to or different from his obsession with O’Brien? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions.
- Discuss the idea of doublethink. How important is doublethink to the Party’s control of Oceania? How important is it to Winston’s brainwashing?
- How does Orwell portray the perfect totalitarian society, or dystopia? What historical events inspired his satire, and what is his ultimate purpose in composing this important piece of fiction?
- How does Newspeak demonstrate that language is of central importance to human thought? What is Orwell claiming would happen if control of language were centralized in a political agency?
- 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?
- Select from the following thematic topics and discuss Orwell’s perspectives as presented in 1984. Provide evidence from the novel and history to support your thesis.
- Psychological manipulation
- physical control
- language as mind control
- control of information and history
- technology
- Select from the following motifs or symbols and discuss how Orwell uses these motifs and symbols to develop themes presented in 1984. Provide evidence from the novelto support your thesis.
- Urban decay (due to incompetent leadership)
- Big Brother (the façade of leadership)
- The Glass Paperweight and St. Clement’s Church (connection to the past)
- “The place where there is no darkness “ (ideal vs. reality)
- Telescreens (constant monitoring)
- The Proles (hope for the future)