Physical Book: 1984, George Orwell
Digital Option: 1984, George Orwell, PDF
Optional supplement: Is 1984 Becoming a Reality?
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Book Summary: George Orwell’s 1984, published in 1949, is a futuristic look at the perils of totalitarianism. In the book, Winston Smith lives in Oceania, a state where The Party, an all-controlling political organization, watches everything that citizens do. While most characters are brainwashed into subservience, Winston challenges The Party’s power by expressing his individuality. He writes about his feelings and pursues real-life romance with a woman named Julia. Will Winston regret his acts of rebellion? How will the Party react? Read on to find out, and remember, BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING…
Disclaimer: 1984, one of the great dystopian satires of the 20th century, occurs against a backdrop of intensive surveillance, abuses of power, and normalized violence. The novel also contains an explicitly sexual relationship. To read a more detailed account of any difficult content in 1984, visit this link.
Discussion Questions:
- 1984 is often characterized by critics as “a warning” for future generations. Why might someone consider this novel a cautionary tale? What is Orwell trying to steer us away from or toward by using this bizarre dystopian world?
- Would you consider Winston to be a hero? Find a quote that illustrates one of his admirable characteristics and challenge it with a second quote that exemplifies his shortcomings.
- Compare and contrast Winston’s relationships with Parsons, Syme, and O’Brien. How does Winston perceive each of these men? How does each one view Winston?
- How do Winston’s violent fantasies about Julia change your view of their relationship? Do you think Winston’s view of women shifts throughout the novel?
- During his final encounter with O’Brien, Winston argues that, if all else fails, the “spirit of man” will be strong enough to undermine a society like the one created by The Party. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- Journalist Peter Jennings once said, “Whoever controls the media, controls reality.” Do you agree? Do you think Orwell would agree?
