1984 Essay Topics - Due November 2 (B Day) or November 5 (A Day)

1. Erich Fromm, in the "Afterword" in the Signet Classic edition of 1984, states:

"George Orwell's 1984 is the expression of a mood, and it is a warning. The mood it expresses is that of near despair about the future of man, and the warning is that unless the course of history changes, men all over the world will lose their most human qualities, will become soulless automatons and will not even be aware of it." (p. 313)

What specifically is the warning about? Cite examples from the book that highlight Fromm's concerns.

2. In 1984 the Party is able to generate enthusiasm for war, no matter the enemy or the local conditions. What methods does it use to build support for war and how do the citizens respond? What does this suggest about human behavior?
3. How is Julia characterized? In what ways is she different from Winston? What are her major interests and concerns? Why is she willing to rebel against the Party?
4. One of the most frightening aspects of 1984 is "Newspeak," the systematic deterioration of language as a medium of truth, e.g. "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery." Why do the people in the novel accept these so-called truths? How are they used as tools to manipulate opinion and reinforce the total dominance of the state? Can you find examples in our own day of the corruption of language as a dependable reflection of reality?
5. Would Winston have been better off not challenging the party and keeping his rebellious thoughts to himself in order to preserve his personal safety and dignity? In the face of totalitarian rule, is it better to dissent in silence and close one's eyes to atrocities and excesses in order to survive? Is there any way he might have succeeded in challenging the party? Explain your point of view using Winston and Julia's experiences.
6. Some of the surveillance technologies that appear in 1984 are now realities that we take for granted, such as closed circuit television cameras and GPS devices. Discuss the use of technology to control public and private behavior in 1984 and in the present. What limits do you think should be placed on the use of technology to avoid the kind of totalitarian excesses represented in 1984?
7. In what ways are current governments similar to the government Orwell imagined in 1984. This topic should not be an excuse to bash government but to thoughtfully consider what aspects of it are most reminiscent of the totalitarian Party in the novel.
8. The conclusion of 1984 is decidedly bleak. Winston has been completely broken and purged of his rebellious mind and instincts. Analyze what Orwell’s purpose was in having the novel end this way. Was it effective?
9. Compare and contrast a character from 1984 and a character from Fahrenheit 451. (Consider: Winston and Montag, Julia and Mildred, Beatty and O’Brien.) What purpose do the characters serve in their respective novels? What similarities and differences are there in what they represent? (This prompt will require a strong knowledge of the events in Fahrenheit 451. Copies can be checked out again if necessary.)
10. Another topic that you make up and APPROVE WITH ME FIRST.

Creative 1984 PROJECT - Due November 6 (B Day) or November 7 (A Day)

Do something creative based off of the novel. What part really spoke to you/disturbed you/intrigued you? You could rewrite “1985” as “1984.” You could continue your short story about a peripheral character from the novel. You could create an article in Newspeak that Winston would have to change. You could create an entry we didn’t see from Winston’s journal. You could draw or paint a picture of the two minutes’ hate. You could create a poem. In every case, you need at least a paragraph explanation of why this intrigued you and what you were trying to accomplish with your “project.” The responsibility is all on you. The grade is all up to you. Have grand ambition or don’t but live with your choice.