Essay 1984
Choose one of the following essay topics and write a well-developed essay (no less than two typed pages, double-spaced in 12 pt. standard font such as Roman Times or
Georgia). This essay is due the first day of school.
1. 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? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions. 2. 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. 3. 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.
4. 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.
Study Questions
1. 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? Some of the most important symbols and motifs in 1984 include Winston’s paperweight, the
St. Clement’s Church picture and the rhyme associated with it, the prole woman singing outside the window, and the phrase “the place where there is no darkness.” In addition to unifying the novel, these symbols and motifs represent Winston’s attempts to escape or undermine the oppressive rule of the Party. Winston conceives of the singing prole woman as an incubator for future rebels; she symbolizes for him
Georgia). This essay is due the first day of school.
1. 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? Cite examples from the text to prove your opinions. 2. 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. 3. 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.
4. 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.
Study Questions
1. 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? Some of the most important symbols and motifs in 1984 include Winston’s paperweight, the
St. Clement’s Church picture and the rhyme associated with it, the prole woman singing outside the window, and the phrase “the place where there is no darkness.” In addition to unifying the novel, these symbols and motifs represent Winston’s attempts to escape or undermine the oppressive rule of the Party. Winston conceives of the singing prole woman as an incubator for future rebels; she symbolizes for him