Background

In our study of freedom, power, language, identity, and propaganda over the past weeks, we have been preparing ourselves to encounter this novel, which dramatizes these concepts by portraying Winston, a point-of-view character of questionable reliabilty, as he struggles to be a skeptic--perhaps even to think for himself--in a dysfunctional society where there appears to be little or no freedom of expression and no access to reliable information.  Certainly, on the surface of things, today's world bears little resemblance to Orwell's Oceania, yet to what degree are we living out Orwell's nightmare in today's world--or walking right into it--without our even knowing it? Propaganda is nowhere near as effective when one knows that a message is propaganda. Surrounded by propaganda and consuming it uncritically--either as sheep or cynics, as we discussed in class--in what ways are we ourselves risking losing the ability to know ourselves (like Winston),to think for ourselves, to understand what is in the best interest of the planet and our values, to have the freedom to express ourselves, and to maintain a healthy body and mind? 

Gather Data

As you read, try to understand both the world Winston inhabits and the damage it has done to him, to his relationships, and to other characters. Find specific answers to some of these questions about how living in the oppressive environment under Big Brother influences the behaviors of the characters:

• What are the consequences they face for deviating from the will of Big Brother?
•  Is it possible for these characters to have feelings for anyone other than themselves? 
• Where does Winston think hope may persist and why?  Is he right?
• What purpose, if any, can it serve to go against Big Brother? 
• What are the challenges to knowing what happened in the past? 
• How is language used to distort rational thinking?
• Who is a stronger critical thinker, Winston or Julia? How? Why? 
• What, if anything, is true in Winston's world? 
• Is a loving, romantic relationship possible in this world? If so, how?

And, as you read, think about our Information Environment and how it compares and contrast with that of 1984. 

• How are our notions about how and whom to love shaped in this society as compared to Winston's experiences with love? 
• How does our internet use/iphones/GPS compare to the telescreen and other technologies as tools for getting information, communicating, and otherwise relating with others?
• How is Winston's vain attempt to write his private thoughts different from the pressure we feel to IM, email, MySpace, blog, facebook, or tweet our most private ideas?
• How is torture in Oceania different from the torture we have sanctioned as a nation? 
• How is language used to distort rational thinking in our society, by whom, and to what end?
• How do the myterious motives of Big Brother compare to the motives of the most powerful elements of our society?
• How sure are we of the accuracy of our understanding of the past? 
• How much does anyone in our world care about whether anything is true or not?

Outside research--but not about the novel --may required as you seek to draw comparisons to the world in which you live. 

The Essay
 In a four to six page essay, argue for or against the following proposition:

We, iin our contemporary world, particularly in the U.S., exist in conditions that are alarmingly similar to those depicted in 1984. in which individuals are challenged to think for themselves, to stand up for their rights or the rights of others, or to protest against the social hierarchies that oppress them or others.

Compare and contrast some particular aspects of the dystopian world George Orwell envisions in 1984 and a corresponding feature of our world today, exploring nuanced similarities and differences.  (You may use any of the questions in the  Gathering Data section to get started, or create your own issue along those lines).

Analyze no more than two or three related comparisons, exploring what Orwell's novel reveals to us about own world and the individual's ability to think freely within it..