critical thinking questions 1984

'1984' Questions for Study and Discussion

• M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
• B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

1984  is one of the best-known works by  George Orwell . This classic novel describes life in a surveillance state where independent thinking is referred to as "thoughtcrime." 1984 coined terms like Big Brother and Newspeak that are still in use today, and its powerful exploration of totalitarianism is a key reference point in political discussion and analysis.

Reflect on the following questions as you learn about 1984 . Whether you're preparing for an exam or preparing for a book club, these questions for study and discussion will strengthen your knowledge and understanding of the novel.

1984  Questions for Study and Discussion

• What is important about the title of 1984 ? 
• What are the conflicts in 1984 ? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are in this novel?
• How does George Orwell reveal character in 1984 ?
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• What are some symbols in 1984 ? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• Is Winston consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
• Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
• Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
• What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
• How does this novel relate to dystopian literature? Is Winston a strong character?
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In any other time?
• What is the role of women in the text? Is love relevant? Are relationships meaningful?
• Why is 1984 controversial? Why has it been banned?
• How does 1984 relate to contemporary politics/society?
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
• Why do you think words like Big Brother and Newspeak have entered into our everyday lexicon?
• What, if anything, scares you about the future Orwell describes? Why or why not?
• How is "doublethink" used in the novel? Do you think it could or is used in our current society?
• Do you think it's important that Oceana is constantly at war with someone? What point do you think Orwell is trying to make?
• How does the age difference between Julia and Winston affect how they view the actions of Big Brother and the government? Do you see differences like this in your own life? 
• How is technology used by Big Brother and the Party? Does it remind you of any current technological issues? 
• If you were in Room 101, what would be waiting for you?
• What is the significance of the name Ministry of Love?
• How is sexual repression used to oppress the people of Oceana? Are there examples of this kind of oppression in the real world?
• How are characters brainwashed in the novel? Do you think this sort of brainwashing can happen in real life?
• What warnings can we take from Orwell's novel? 
• '1984' Study Guide
• '1984' Characters
• '1984' Summary
• '1984' Vocabulary
• '1984' Quotes Explained
• 'Animal Farm' Questions for Study and Discussion
• '1984' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices
• '1984' Quiz
• 'The Scarlet Letter' Questions for Discussion
• The Catcher in the Rye: Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Wuthering Heights' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'The Story of an Hour' Questions for Study and Discussion
• The Monkey's Paw: Synopsis and Study Questions
• "The Metamorphosis" Study Guide
• 'The Yellow Wallpaper' Questions for Study

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Literary Analysis

Character analysis, character development.

• AK RL.11-12.3,
• AK W.11-12.1,
• AK W.11-12.2,
• AK W.11-12.4,
• AK W.11-12.9,
• AL 11.CL.R.4,
• AL 11.CL.W.11.b,
• AL 11.CL.W.11.c,
• AL 11.RL.W.28,
• AL 11.RL.W.29,
• AL 12.CL.R.4,
• AL 12.CL.W.11,
• AL 12.CL.W.11.b,
• AL 12.CL.W.11.c,
• AL 12.RL.W.28,
• AR 11.RC.5.RL,
• AR 11.W.1.S,
• AR 11.W.2.S,
• AR 11.W.4.P,
• AR 12.RC.5.RL,
• AR 12.W.1.S,
• AR 12.W.2.S,
• AR 12.W.4.P,
• AZ 11-12.RL.3,
• AZ 11-12.W.1,
• AZ 11-12.W.2,
• AZ 11-12.W.4,
• AZ 11-12.W.9,
• CA 11-12.RL.3,
• CA 11-12.W.1,
• CA 11-12.W.2,
• CA 11-12.W.4,
• CA 11-12.W.9,
• CCSS RL.11-12.3,
• CCSS W.11-12.1,
• CCSS W.11-12.2,
• CCSS W.11-12.4,
• CCSS W.11-12.9,
• CO RL.11-12.3,
• CO W.11-12.1,
• CO W.11-12.2,
• CO W.11-12.4,
• CO W.11-12.9,
• CT RL.11-12.3,
• CT W.11-12.1,
• CT W.11-12.2,
• CT W.11-12.4,
• CT W.11-12.9,
• DC RL.11-12.3,
• DC W.11-12.1,
• DC W.11-12.2,
• DC W.11-12.4,
• DC W.11-12.9,
• DE RL.11-12.3,
• DE W.11-12.1,
• DE W.11-12.2,
• DE W.11-12.4,
• DE W.11-12.9,
• FL ELA.9.C.1.3,
• FL ELA.9.C.1.4,
• FL ELA.9.C.1.5,
• FL ELA.9.R.1.1,
• FL ELA.K12.EE.1.1,
• GA ELAGSE11-12RL3,
• GA ELAGSE11-12W1,
• GA ELAGSE11-12W2,
• GA ELAGSE11-12W4,
• GA ELAGSE11-12W9,
• HI 11-12.RL.3,
• HI 11-12.W.1,
• HI 11-12.W.2,
• HI 11-12.W.4,
• HI 11-12.W.9,
• IA RL.11-12.3,
• IA W.11-12.1,
• IA W.11-12.2,
• IA W.11-12.4,
• IA W.11-12.9,
• ID 11/12.RC.L.5.a,
• ID 11/12.W.RW.1,
• IL RL.11-12.3,
• IL W.11-12.1,
• IL W.11-12.2,
• IL W.11-12.4,
• IL W.11-12.9,
• IN 11-12.W.2,
• KS RL.11-12.3,
• KS W.11-12.1,
• KS W.11-12.2,
• KS W.11-12.4,
• KS W.11-12.9,
• KY C.11-12.1,
• KY C.11-12.1.a,
• KY C.11-12.2,
• KY C.11-12.2.a,
• KY C.11-12.3.a,
• KY C.11-12.6,
• KY RL.11-12.3,
• LA RL.11-12.3,
• LA W.11-12.1,
• LA W.11-12.2,
• LA W.11-12.4,
• LA W.11-12.9,
• MA RL.11-12.3,
• MA W.11-12.1,
• MA W.11-12.2,
• MA W.11-12.4,
• MA W.11-12.9,
• MD RL.11-12.3,
• MD W.11-12.1,
• MD W.11-12.2,
• MD W.11-12.4,
• MD W.11-12.9,
• ME R.6.9-D,
• ME R.6.9-D.a,
• ME W.1.9-D,
• ME W.3.9-D,
• MI RL.11-12.3,
• MI W.11-12.1,
• MI W.11-12.2,
• MI W.11-12.4,
• MI W.11-12.9,
• MN 11.4.3.3,
• MN 11.7.1.1,
• MN 11.7.2.2,
• MN 11.7.4.4,
• MN 11.7.9.9,
• MO 11-12.RL.2.D,
• MO 11-12.W.2.A,
• MO 11-12.W.3.A.a,
• MO 11-12.W.3.A.b,
• MO 11-12.W.3.A.d,
• MS RL.11.3,
• MS RL.12.3,
• MT RL.11-12.3,
• MT W.11-12.1,
• MT W.11-12.2,
• MT W.11-12.4,
• MT W.11-12.9,
• NC RL.11-12.3,
• NC W.11-12.1,
• NC W.11-12.1.g,
• NC W.11-12.2,
• NC W.11-12.2.h,
• NC W.11-12.3.g,
• NC W.11-12.6,
• ND 11-12.R.6,
• ND 11-12.W.3,
• ND 11-12.W.6,
• NE LA.12.RP.2,
• NE LA.12.W.2,
• NE LA.12.W.4,
• NE LA.12.W.5,
• NH RL.11-12.3,
• NH W.11-12.1,
• NH W.11-12.2,
• NH W.11-12.4,
• NH W.11-12.9,
• NJ RL.11-12.3,
• NJ W.11-12.1,
• NJ W.11-12.2,
• NJ W.11-12.4,
• NJ W.11-12.9,
• NM RL.11-12.3,
• NM W.11-12.1,
• NM W.11-12.2,
• NM W.11-12.4,
• NM W.11-12.9,
• NV RL.11-12.3,
• NV W.11-12.1,
• NV W.11-12.2,
• NV W.11-12.4,
• NV W.11-12.9,
• NY 11-12 R.3,
• NY 11-12 W.1,
• NY 11-12 W.2,
• NY 11-12 W.5,
• OH RL.11-12.3,
• OH W.11-12.1,
• OH W.11-12.2,
• OH W.11-12.4,
• OH W.11-12.9,
• OK 11.3.R.3,
• OK 11.3.W.2,
• OK 11.3.W.3,
• OK 12.3.R.3,
• OK 12.3.W.2,
• OK 12.3.W.3,
• OR RL.11-12.3,
• OR W.11-12.1,
• OR W.11-12.2,
• OR W.11-12.4,
• OR W.11-12.9,
• PA CC.1.3.11–12.C,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.A,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.B,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.C,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.D,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.F,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.G,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.H,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.K,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.L,
• PA CC.1.4.11–12.S,
• RI RL.11-12.3,
• RI W.11-12.1,
• RI W.11-12.2,
• RI W.11-12.4,
• RI W.11-12.9,
• SC E3.RL.11,
• SC E3.RL.8,
• SC E3.RL.8.1,
• SC E4.RL.11,
• SC E4.RL.8,
• SC E4.RL.8.1,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E3.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E3.C.2.1,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.1.1,
• SC ELA.E4.C.1.1,
• SC ELA.E4.C.2.1,
• SD 11-12.RL.3,
• SD 11-12.W.1,
• SD 11-12.W.2,
• SD 11-12.W.4,
• SD 11-12.W.9,
• TN 11-12.RL.KID.3,
• TN 11-12.W.PDW.4,
• TN 11-12.W.RBPK.9,
• TN 11-12.W.TTP.1,
• TN 11-12.W.TTP.2,
• TX TEKS E3.10,
• TX TEKS E3.4,
• TX TEKS E3.5.B,
• TX TEKS E3.5.C,
• TX TEKS E3.6,
• TX TEKS E3.6.A,
• TX TEKS E3.7,
• TX TEKS E3.9.A,
• TX TEKS E3.9.B,
• TX TEKS E3.9.B.i,
• TX TEKS E3.9.B.ii,
• TX TEKS E3.9.C,
• TX TEKS E4.10,
• TX TEKS E4.10.B,
• TX TEKS E4.10.C,
• TX TEKS E4.4,
• TX TEKS E4.5.B,
• TX TEKS E4.5.C,
• TX TEKS E4.6,
• TX TEKS E4.6.A,
• TX TEKS E4.7,
• TX TEKS E4.9.A,
• TX TEKS E4.9.B,
• TX TEKS E4.9.B.i,
• TX TEKS E4.9.B.ii,
• TX TEKS E4.9.C,
• UT 11-12.R.7,
• UT 11-12.W.1,
• UT 11-12.W.1.d,
• UT 11-12.W.2,
• UT 11-12.W.2.e,
• UT 11-12.W.3.e,
• VT RL.11-12.3,
• VT W.11-12.1,
• VT W.11-12.2,
• VT W.11-12.4,
• VT W.11-12.9,
• WA RL.11-12.3,
• WA W.11-12.1,
• WA W.11-12.2,
• WA W.11-12.4,
• WA W.11-12.9,
• WI R.11-12.3,
• WI W.11-12.2,
• WI W.11-12.2.a,
• WI W.11-12.2.b,
• WI W.11-12.3,
• WI W.11-12.3.a,
• WI W.11-12.3.b,
• WI W.11-12.3.c,
• WI W.11-12.4,
• WI W.11-12.9,
• WV ELA.11.20,
• WV ELA.11.21,
• WV ELA.11.23,
• WV ELA.11.28,
• WV ELA.11.3,
• WV ELA.12.20,
• WV ELA.12.21,
• WV ELA.12.23,
• WV ELA.12.28,
• WV ELA.12.3,
• WY RL.11-12.3,
• WY W.11-12.1,
• WY W.11-12.2,
• WY W.11-12.4,
• WY W.11-12.9

Literary Devices

• AK RL.11-12.4,
• AR 11.RC.6.RL,
• AR 12.RC.6.RL,
• AZ 11-12.RL.4,
• CA 11-12.RL.4,
• CCSS RL.11-12.4,
• CO RL.11-12.4,
• CT RL.11-12.4,
• DC RL.11-12.4,
• DE RL.11-12.4,
• FL ELA.9.R.3.1,
• FL ELA.9.V.1.3,
• GA ELAGSE11-12RL4,
• HI 11-12.RL.4,
• IA RL.11-12.4,
• ID 11/12.RC.L.5.b,
• IL RL.11-12.4,
• IN 11-12.RC.11,
• IN 11-12.RC.13,
• KS RL.11-12.4,
• KY RL.11-12.4,
• LA RL.11-12.4,
• MA RL.11-12.4,
• MD RL.11-12.4,
• ME R.7.9-D,
• ME R.7.9-D.a,
• MI RL.11-12.4,
• MN 11.4.4.4,
• MO 11-12.RL.1.B,
• MO 11-12.RL.2.C,
• MS RL.11.4,
• MS RL.12.4,
• MT RL.11-12.4,
• NC RL.11-12.4,
• ND 11-12.R.5,
• NE LA.12.V.2,
• NH RL.11-12.4,
• NJ RL.11-12.4,
• NM RL.11-12.4,
• NV RL.11-12.4,
• NY 11-12 R.4,
• OH RL.11-12.4,
• OK 11.3.R.4,
• OK 11.4.R.2,
• OK 12.3.R.4,
• OK 12.4.R.2,
• OR RL.11-12.4,
• PA CC.1.3.11–12.F,
• RI RL.11-12.4,
• SC E3.RL.10,
• SC E3.RL.10.1,
• SC E3.RL.4.3,
• SC E3.RL.9,
• SC E3.RL.9.1,
• SC E4.RL.10,
• SC E4.RL.10.1,
• SC E4.RL.4.3,
• SC E4.RL.9,
• SC E4.RL.9.1,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.7.1,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.1.2,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.7.1,
• SD 11-12.RL.4,
• TN 11-12.RL.CS.4,
• TX TEKS E3.6.C,
• TX TEKS E3.8,
• TX TEKS E3.8.D,
• TX TEKS E3.8.E,
• TX TEKS E4.8,
• TX TEKS E4.8.D,
• TX TEKS E4.8.E,
• UT 11-12.R.8,
• VT RL.11-12.4,
• WA RL.11-12.4,
• WI R.11-12.4,
• WV ELA.11.7,
• WV ELA.12.7,
• WY RL.11-12.4,

Social-Historical Context

Social and historical context.

• AK RL.11-12.5,
• AL 11.CL.R.5,
• AL 12.CL.R.5,
• AZ 11-12.RL.5,
• CA 11-12.RL.5,
• CCSS RL.11-12.5,
• CO RL.11-12.5,
• CT RL.11-12.5,
• DC RL.11-12.5,
• DE RL.11-12.5,
• FL ELA.9.R.2.1,
• GA ELAGSE11-12RL5,
• HI 11-12.RL.5,
• IA RL.11-12.5,
• ID 11/12.VD.WB.2.d,
• IL RL.11-12.5,
• IN 11-12.RC.3,
• KS RL.11-12.5,
• KY RL.11-12.5,
• LA RL.11-12.5,
• MA RL.11-12.5,
• MD RL.11-12.5,
• ME R.8.9-D,
• ME R.8.9-D.a,
• MI RL.11-12.5,
• MN 11.4.5.5,
• MO 11-12.RL.2.A,
• MS RL.11.5,
• MS RL.12.5,
• MT RL.11-12.5,
• NC RL.11-12.5,
• NE LA.12.RP.4,
• NH RL.11-12.5,
• NJ RL.11-12.5,
• NM RL.11-12.5,
• NV RL.11-12.5,
• NY 11-12 R.5,
• OH RL.11-12.5,
• OR RL.11-12.5,
• PA CC.1.3.11–12.E,
• RI RL.11-12.5,
• SC E3.RL.12,
• SC E3.RL.12.2,
• SC E4.RL.12,
• SC E4.RL.12.2,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.5.1,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.5.1,
• SD 11-12.RL.5,
• TN 11-12.RL.CS.5,
• TX TEKS E3.7.C,
• TX TEKS E4.6.C,
• TX TEKS E4.7.C,
• UT 11-12.R.10,
• VT RL.11-12.5,
• WA RL.11-12.5,
• WI R.11-12.5,
• WV ELA.11.8,
• WV ELA.12.8,
• WY RL.11-12.5,

Themes and Motifs

Central theme.

• AK RL.11-12.2,
• AL 11.CL.R.6,
• AL 12.CL.R.6,
• AR 11.RC.1.RF,
• AR 11.RC.2.RF,
• AR 12.RC.1.RF,
• AR 12.RC.2.RF,
• AZ 11-12.RL.2,
• CA 11-12.RL.2,
• CCSS RL.11-12.2,
• CO RL.11-12.2,
• CT RL.11-12.2,
• DC RL.11-12.2,
• DE RL.11-12.2,
• FL ELA.9.R.1.2,
• GA ELAGSE11-12RL2,
• HI 11-12.RL.2,
• IA RL.11-12.2,
• ID 11/12.RC.TC.1,
• IL RL.11-12.2,
• IN 11-12.RC.2,
• IN 11-12.RC.5,
• KS RL.11-12.2,
• KY RL.11-12.2,
• LA RL.11-12.2,
• MA RL.11-12.2,
• MD RL.11-12.2,
• ME R.5.9-D,
• ME R.5.9-D.a,
• ME R.5.9-D.b,
• MI RL.11-12.2,
• MN 11.4.2.2,
• MO 11-12.RL.1.D,
• MS RL.11.2,
• MS RL.12.2,
• MT RL.11-12.2,
• NC RL.11-12.2,
• ND 11-12.R.3.b,
• ND 11-12.R.4,
• NE LA.12.RP.1,
• NE LA.12.RP.6,
• NH RL.11-12.2,
• NJ RL.11-12.2,
• NM RL.11-12.2,
• NV RL.11-12.2,
• NY 11-12 R.2,
• OH RL.11-12.2,
• OH RL.11-12.2.a,
• OK 11.2.R.1,
• OK 12.2.R.1,
• OR RL.11-12.2,
• PA CC.1.3.11–12.A,
• RI RL.11-12.2,
• SC E3.RL.6,
• SC E3.RL.6.1,
• SC E4.RL.6,
• SC E4.RL.6.1,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.2.1,
• SC ELA.E3.AOR.6.1,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.2.1,
• SC ELA.E4.AOR.6.1,
• SD 11-12.RL.2,
• TN 11-12.RL.KID.2,
• TX TEKS E3.4.G,
• TX TEKS E3.6.B,
• TX TEKS E4.4.G,
• TX TEKS E4.6.B,
• UT 11-12.R.6,
• VT RL.11-12.2,
• WA RL.11-12.2,
• WI R.11-12.2,
• WV ELA.11.2,
• WV ELA.12.2,
• WY RL.11-12.2,

by George Orwell

1984 essay questions.

Compare and contrast Julia and Winston. How does each rebel against the Party, and are these rebellions at all effective?

Trace Winston's path towards destruction. Where do we first see his fatalistic outlook? Is his defeat inevitable?

Discuss the role of technology in Oceania. In what areas is technology highly advanced, and in what areas has its progress stalled? Why?

Discuss the role of Big Brother in Oceania and in Winston's life. What role does Big Brother play in each?

Discuss contradiction in Oceania and the Party's governance, i.e. Ministry of Love, Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Plenty, Ministry of Peace. Why is such contradiction accepted so widely?

Discuss and analyze the role O'Brien plays in Winston's life. Why is he such a revered and respected character, even during Winston's time in the Ministry of Love?

Discuss the symbolic importance of the prole woman singing in the yard behind Mr. Charrington's apartment. What does she represent for Winston, and what does she represent for Julia?

1984 is a presentation of Orwell's definition of dystopia and was meant as a warning to those of the modern era. What specifically is Orwell warning us against, and how does he achieve this?

Analyze the interactions between Winston and the old man in the pub, Syme, and Mr. Charrington. How do Winston's interactions with these individuals guide him towards his ultimate arrest?

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.

Outline the social hierarchy of Oceania. How does this hierarchy support the Party and its goals?

1984 Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for 1984 is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Describe O’Briens apartment and lifestyle. How do they differ from Winston’s?

From the text:

It was only on very rare occasions that one saw inside the dwelling-places of the Inner Party, or even penetrated into the quarter of the town where they lived. The whole atmosphere of the huge block of flats, the richness and...

What was the result of Washington exam

Sorry, I'm not sure what you are asking here.

how is one put into the inner or outer party in the book 1984

The Outer Party is a huge government bureaucracy. They hold positions of trust but are largely responsible for keeping the totalitarian structure of Big Brother functional. The Outer Party numbers around 18 to 19 percent of the population and the...

Study Guide for 1984

1984 study guide contains a biography of George Orwell, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• 1984 Summary
• Character List

Essays for 1984

1984 essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of 1984 by George Orwell.

• The Reflection of George Orwell
• Totalitarian Collectivism in 1984, or, Big Brother Loves You
• Sex as Rebellion
• Class Ties: The Dealings of Human Nature Depicted through Social Classes in 1984
• 1984: The Ultimate Parody of the Utopian World

Lesson Plan for 1984

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to 1984
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• 1984 Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for 1984

• Introduction

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1984 by George Orwell

• Publication Date: April 1, 1983
• Genres: Science Fiction
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Plume
• ISBN-10: 0452262933
• ISBN-13: 9780452262935
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• Reading Guide (PDF)

George Orwell

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• Birthday: June 25, 1903

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

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Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. A text’s atmosphere is a feeling created through the details and language used to describe setting.

• How does Orwell establish a dystopian atmosphere early in the novel? ( topic sentence )
• Give at least 3 examples of details, images, or phrasing that support a dystopian atmosphere. Explain how they accomplish this task.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the dystopian atmosphere supports the theme Constant Surveillance is Oppressive or Totalitarian Power Diminishes Individuality .

2. Winston believes that there is something essentially different about the impact the Party has on proles versus the impact it has on Party members.

• Why does Winston hope the proles will be able to contest the Party’s power? ( topic sentence )

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Home » Topics » 1984 By George Orwell | Summary and Analysis

1984 By George Orwell | Summary and Analysis

The 1949 dystopian novel  Nineteen Eighty-Four , also expressed numerically as  1984 , was written by author George Orwell (1903–1950), who warns readers against totalitarianism, a system of absolute authority, which he imagined would occur a little more than three decades in his future.

Table of Contents

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

• What techniques does George Orwell use to create his bleak and soulless dystopian world?
• How does the Party control the citizens of Oceania?
• What effect does language have in the novel?

British journalist and author George Orwell was born Eric Arthur Blair in India and attended school in England, where he chafed under the restrictive atmosphere. He then joined the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, but in 1927, quit his job to write and moved to Paris, where he held odd jobs and used the experience for his first book,  Down and Out in Paris and London , for which he adopted his pseudonym. Orwell then exclusively worked as a journalist and editor. He considered himself a socialist and anti-Stalinist, and out of his beliefs grew  Animal Farm  in 1945 and  Nineteen Eighty-Four  four years later. He died of tuberculosis in January 1950.

Winston Smith lives in London in the nation of Oceania and works for the Party, which sees, knows, and controls everything. The Party and its figurehead, Big Brother, implement a new language called Newspeak to prevent any dissention by outlawing words connected to rebellion, and love, free thought, and individual expression are all prohibited. The Party produces enemies that it says threaten Oceania as a means to unite its citizens through fear.

Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, which is the department in charge of rewriting history. As the Party’s message changes, all records that contradict it are altered. Winston becomes critical of the Party and its control over everything and wonders why the truth is what the Party says it is. He illegally records his own experiences in a diary and begins an illegal relationship with a coworker named Julia. They rent a room above a store in the prole district, an unmonitored poor area of London where the non-Party proletarians, or proles, eke out a living. Winston knows that he and Julia will be caught and punished, but Julia—who seeks pleasure—is optimistic.

A group called the Brotherhood is believed to be working against the Party, and Winston suspects that a Party leader named O’Brien is secretly a member of the Brotherhood. Winston is not surprised when he is summoned to O’Brien’s opulent home for a meeting, and O’Brien identifies himself as a rebel with the Brotherhood, invites Winston and Julia to join, and gives Winston a book containing the Brotherhood’s message.

When Winston and Julia read the book, they are soon arrested in their rented room, and Winston is taken to the Ministry of Love, which is the torture center, where O’Brien reveals his true identity as a Party spy and then tortures Winston for months, but Winston resists. Finally, O’Brien puts him in Room 101 and threatens him with rats, Winston’ greatest fear. When O’Brien produces a cage of rats that he will allow to eat Winston’s face, Winston begs him to turn the rats on Julia instead.

Now that he is thoroughly under the Party’s control, Winston returns to society, where he see Julia and feels repulsed by her. Recalling a song that upsets him, Winston focuses on Big Brother on a nearby telescreen to feel content and secure.

Winston Smith is a thirty-nine-year-old intellectual and a minor member of the Party in London who works in the Ministry of Truth, where he changes history to conform to the Party’s message. He despises the authoritarian government and wishes to change society.

The beautiful Julia works in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth and brags about the sexual affairs she has had with Party members. She and Winston become lovers. While she wants to overthrow the government, Julia likes the notion of revolution but does not embrace the ideas.

O’Brien is a member of the Inner Party. Winston believes he is also a member of the rebellion, but discovers the opposite is true when O’Brien arrests and tortures him.

Big Brother is the face of Oceania and may not exist as an individual, but his image is on posters and screens everywhere. His message—Big Brother Is Watching You—permeates society.

Mr. Charrington seems to be a friendly man who runs a secondhand store and rents Winston a room where he can secretly meet with Julia, but Mr. Charrington is actually a member of the Thought Police and reports the couple.

MAJOR THEMES

Danger of totalitarianism.

Orwell spent time in Spain and escaped from Soviet-supported Communists, so he saw firsthand the horrors of a totalitarian regime. With  Nineteen Eighty-Four , he warns against allowing communism to spread. Orwell also was concerned about how technology could be used to monitor citizenry and chose the title to warn readers that his vision could be a near threat.

Psychological Manipulation and Language

Everywhere Oceania’s citizens go, they are faced with telescreens that both watch them and project Party messages, and omnipresent images warn that Big Brother is watching. Children are enlisted to spy on their parents, and the Party creates threats, which are common enemies, while reassuring citizens that only the Party is protecting them. In addition, the Party creates, outlaws, and redefines words and controls language so that individuals are unable to question terminology or leadership.

Physical control is evident throughout the novel, as the Party outlaws sexual pleasure, defining intercourse as only a means to procreate. Every day, citizens are required to participate in group exercises and work until they are exhausted.

Torture is used to brainwash anyone who does not conform to the Party line. Under physical and psychological torture, Winston responds to the threat of rats by betraying Julia because the fear of pain overrides his ability to control his body and thoughts.

Doublethink is a form of psychological control. By breaking people minds, the Party ensures that individuals will believe anything they are told, even if the information is illogical. As an example, the Party says that two plus two equals five, and the citizens do not question this.

The Party controls history and information, and by controlling technology, it decides what message is disseminated and rewrites all documents to reflect this. Personal photographs are forbidden, so the Party also exerts control over everyone’s past and memories.

SIGNIFICANCE

Nineteen Eighty-Four  has influenced popular culture since its publication, and authors such as Margaret Atwood (1939–) cite it as inspirational. References to Big Brother, the Thought Police, doublespeak, and other elements of the novel have entered common usage. The term  Orwellian , for example, is used to describe dystopias.

CRITICAL RECEPTION

When the novel was first published in 1949, Orwell was an established and respected author. His 1946 satire  Animal Farm  had been well received. In  Nineteen Eighty-Four , he presents very similar ideas in a London that readers at that time could easily envision. Right-wing American factions embraced his ideas as support for their anti-Communist crusade. Orwell, who died about seven months after the novel was published, insisted such factions were misinterpreting his work. Critics have continued to disagree over the true message of Orwell’s novel, although it is largely viewed as a warning against totalitarianism.

In spite of paper rationing that continued after World War II (1939–1945),  Nineteen Eighty-Four  was a bestseller in Britain, moving fifty thousand copies its first year. Americans also bought hundreds of thousands of copies, and the novel was translated into many languages.

The novel has been adapted to film, radio, and television productions. Renewed interest in  Nineteen Eighty-Four  was credited to the 2016 election of Donald Trump (1946–) as president of the United States. A film adaptation of the novel released in 1984 was rereleased in some theaters in April 2017, and sales of the book in 2017 increased 340 percent over 2016 numbers, launching the novel once again onto bestseller lists. A Broadway production based on the novel debuted in 2017, and a film adaptation was anticipated for a 2019 release.

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1984 (George Orwell) - Pre-Reading Activities (Critical Thinking & Discussion)

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

24 January 2024

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This FREE advanced ready-to-teach worksheet & handout is designed as a pre-reading activity for George Orwell’s monumental dystopian classic, 1984. It includes:

Thought-provoking information text that asks the question What is Literature and Why Should we Read Literature? Although the text begins in general terms, the concepts and issues raised should facilitate a critical discussion about the purpose of reading any literary text as well as 1984.

Follow-up discussion and critical thinking questions that can be applied to all literary texts (but which may find more food for thought & application in 1984 especially).

Enjoy, and please leave feedback!

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• Intermediate

• 1.0 Overview
• 2.0 Reading Text
• 3.0 Conversation Questions

“1984” is a classic novel that remains relevant today, as it provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of government control and the importance of individual freedom. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in political science, dystopian fiction, or the power of language and propaganda. The novel’s themes continue to resonate with readers and continue to be studied and discussed in schools and universities around the world.

Summary of 1984 by George Orwell

“1984” is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell and was first published in 1949. The novel is set in Airstrip One, a province of the superstate Oceania in a world of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, and public manipulation. The story revolves around the life of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in Oceania. Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to manipulate historical records to fit the Party’s propaganda.

Winston begins to rebel against the Party when he starts to question the truth of its principles and becomes interested in a fellow worker, Julia. Together, they engage in a forbidden love affair and rebel against the Party by secretly writing in a diary and seeking refuge with a mysterious figure known only as “O’Brien.” They hope that O’Brien is a member of the Brotherhood, a legendary group of rebels who are working to overthrow the Party.

However, Winston and Julia’s rebellion is short-lived, as the Party uses its vast network of spies and torture to catch them and “re-educate” them. Winston is taken to the Ministry of Love, where he is subjected to brutal torture and brainwashing techniques until he fully conforms to the Party’s principles and is completely devoted to its leader, Big Brother.

The novel is a powerful commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism, government manipulation, and the loss of individuality. The Party’s use of language manipulation, propaganda, and psychological control is meant to illustrate the lengths to which a totalitarian regime will go to maintain its power and control over its citizens.

Orwell’s “1984” is also a warning against the power of technology, as the Party uses advanced methods of surveillance and control to monitor and manipulate its citizens. The novel serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of blindly accepting information without question.

Answer The Questions Below To Check Your Understanding

• Who is Winston Smith and what is his role in the government of Oceania?
• How does Winston's relationship with Julia lead to his rebellion against the Party?
• What happens to Winston during his time in the Ministry of Love?

Conversation Questions

• Do you think Winston is a likeable character?
• Does the novel "1984" provide an accurate portrayal of the dangers of totalitarianism?
• What lessons can we learn from the events and characters in "1984"?
• Can technology be used for both good and bad purposes, and if so, what measures should be taken to control its potential harm?
• How do you think the Party in 1984 uses language manipulation to control its citizens?
• In what ways does 1984 reflect our current society?
• Is it ethical for a government to control and manipulate the information its citizens receive?
• Should individual freedom be protected at all costs, even if it means going against the interests of the state?
• Is it necessary for a government to control every aspect of its citizens' lives in order to maintain order and stability?
• How can a society ensure that its leaders are held accountable for their actions and decisions?

Keep The Conversation Going!

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.