Spring Break

 Wow! What a busy end before the break. Please remember to hand in your questions package, the quiz, and propaganda work. Also, your annotated DEJ!

Over Spring Break, read part 2. That's it! We'll begin work on March 27th assuming you have read part 2 - there may even be a comprehension quiz... who wouldn't want some free marks?

Chapter 6 - 8

Chapter 6

1. Party does not allow people who are physically attracted to each other to marry. We've come to learn that loving relationships are the ones that last; why does the Party enforce this policy?
2. Describe Winston’s relationship with his wife, Katharine.
3. Explain Winston’s belief that, “The sexual act, successfully performed, was rebellion. Desire was thoughtcrime.” 

Chapter 7

1. Describe how the Party utilizes history as propaganda.
2. Show how the Party’s control of the press allows it to manipulate history.
3. What is the Party’s essential command?
4. Interpret Winston’s axiom, “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” 

Chapter 8

1. Define ownlife.
2. What is the irony of the proles’ situation and the Party’s view of them?
3. Infer why Winston checks for telescreens at the pub and in the room over Mr. Charrington’s shop.
4. Examine how Winston and Mr. Charrington’s knowledge of London’s churches exemplifies the Party’s approach to religion and history.

Chapter 5

1. How does Newspeak hope to eradicate all thoughtcrime?
2. Tell how citizens react to any government news about rations or production, and explain why it is an odd reaction.
3. Check this link  -  Facecrime happens when the subtle movements or gestures of your face reveal traitorous thoughts. It's a means for the Thought Police to evaluate loyalties. Based on the article, do you suspect thoughts can be managed by "faking" facial expressions? Could inauthentic expression become authentic?
4. The Party provides some means of pleasure for its citizens. Tobacco for smoking, Victory Gin, and chocolate for food are examples. In such oppression, why does the Party supply these luxuries at all? Are these items healthy choices? Consider the symbolism of such "luxuries" in the context of this dystopian world.
5. We see a lunch room conversation unfold between several characters and Winston. Examine the language of this discussion carefully, and Winston's read of these characters. Who do you think is loyal to the Party? Does Winston have a good assessment of those around him? (Include the dark-haired girl also!)
6. Examine the paragraph about "quacking" on page 64 and the paragraph where Syme explains "Duckspeak" - a newspeak word (bottom of 57). What does this reveal about the lunch room conversation?

Chapter 4

In this chapter, we learn all about Winston's work, and most of the technology that comes with the novel.

Comrade Ogilvy is a figment of creativity Winston uses to rectify a problematic article. In order to erase someone's existence, Ogilvy, who also doesn't exist, will take his place. 

1. Examine why the Party requires history to be rewritten rather than sharing that events change from time to time.
2. What is the point of replacing one lie with another?
3. Why does Winston enjoy his work?

Chapter 3

This is a big one - we are introduced to the revisionist history of 1984 and Doublethink.

1. Explain and assess the Party’s slogan, “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.” Does this concept apply to any ruling countries today? (discussion/response)
2. What is doublethink and why is it necessary in order to survive under Big Brother’s control? Does this take place in the world we live in?
3. Discuss how the Party uses propaganda to vilify capitalism while promoting the Party’s control.

Though we can easily perceive Doublethink and the revision of history as evil, are these necessary evils? Should these practices be encouraged?