Instructions:
For your summative grade over 1984, you will be writing a timed in class essay on block day May 13th or 14th. Your essay must include a full introductory paragraph ending with your thesis, three analytical body paragraphs and a full conclusion. In each of your body paragraphs, you must include at least two direct quotations from the text to support your ideas (for a minimum of six total) along with appropriate commentary for your textual evidence. Listed below are your paper topics. Make sure to select just one prompt to address. In preparation for the in-class essay, you may prepare one index card no larger than 3”x5”. The card may ONLY include your quotes and 1-2 word bullet points to serve as reminders for what you wish to talk about in your commentary.
Hypocrisy:The Party claims on the surface to be establishing a prosperous, communal utopia. However, the realities of the situation are quite different. Discuss the hypocrisy of the party and provide examples. You may choose to discuss the contradictions in the life of a citizen of Oceania and the Party's governance (i.e. Ministry of Love, Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Plenty, Ministry of Peace). What is Orwell’s purpose behind creating a society like this for his novel?
Individuality:One of the goals of the Party is to rob the people of Oceania of anything that that makes them different. Discuss the importance of conformity to the Party and the importance of individuality to characters like Julia and Winston within the text. How does the Party oppress it citizens to strip them of their individual rights and why? What is Orwell’s message about individuality?
Technology:The world of the novel 1984 is decidedly less advanced in many respects than in the actual year, while in other respects technology was ahead of its time. Discuss the role of technology in Oceania. How does the Party use technology to achieve its goals? What is Orwell’s message about living in a sufficiently technologically advanced society?
Manipulation: In 1984 the Party is able to generate enthusiasm for itself and its causes, no matter what conditions people find themselves in. The party is able to masterfully manipulate its citizens be changing the way that they think. Analyze the Party's level of power over its citizens, specifically through the lens of psychological manipulation. Name the tools the Party uses to maintain this control and discuss their effectiveness. What do you believe Orwell was trying to suggest about human behavior?