English 12: Synthesis

 Greetings grads! 

First of all, thank you for your wonderful topic ideas and research. I have reviewed these items and determined some topics for our selection, including the supplementary text to support your preparation. This will be a lengthy post including abstracts and context. Here we go.

Power, Sexuality, and Control: Examining Orwell's 1984 Through the Lens of the Repressive Hypothesis.

The Repressive Hypothesis: Natural Sexuality, Suppressed Eros and a Chance of an Alternative?

Sexuality in 1984 is problematic. Winston had a cold, dead relationship with Katherine and an exciting one with Julia. The party is actively moving towards obliterating the pleasure of the act. To support this exploration, we return to Freud and introduce Foucault. The linked article for this preparation discusses both as great thinkers and contributors to this. For more direction, take a close look at part IV of the article.

Prompt 1: How does the oppressive regime 1984 undermine sexual freedom and individuality according to "The Repressive Hypothesis: Natural Sexuality, Suppressed Eros and a Chance of an Alternative" article?

Prompt 2: Using the article "The Repressive Hypothesis: Natural Sexuality, Suppressed Eros and a Chance of an Alternative" analyze how Orwell's 1984 portrays the relationship between power and sexuality.

Surveillance and Privacy in 1984: The Impact on Freedom and Trust

Privacy International

The Psychology of Mass Government Surveillance

Surveillance affects all of us. It influences our behaviour yet constantly ensures our safety. 1984 crosses the line that differentiates between acceptable and invasive surveillance. There are several angles to this topic. The prompt uses the language of "freedom and trust" - in order to approach this topic you must narrow this broad language down to a workable thesis.

Prompt: How does Orwell’s depiction of surveillance in 1984 highlight the consequences of mass surveillance on personal freedom and trust?

The Power of Language to Control Thought in 1984

Politics and the English Language

Orwell argues that our capacity for language creates our capacity for thought. If we don't have the word, we can't think of the idea. According to O'Brien, reality is subjective, which means the only things that are real are the things we believe to be real. This link suggests that Newspeak, in turn, has the power to enable reality control. That's a big deal, indeed!

Prompt: How does Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" reflect the political and personal influences of Newspeak in 1984?