1984- Part II

By now, you should be finished with part two of 1984. Some questions to think about for the test and for discussion include the following: (Again, I suggest you WRITE OUT answers to these questions and of course post any thoughts or questions that you have).

1. Describe Julia's feelings about the Party.
2. Who is Syme, and what is his significance to the novel?
3. Explain the importance of O'Brien. How do you think he will be important in the overall theme and plot in the parts of the novel yet to come?
4. Describe another of Winston's dreams about his family. Why is the dream significant?
5. Describe the meeting between Julia, Winston, and O'Brien. What are some of the important details that emerge to the reader during this meeting?
6. What are some of the main ideas in Goldstein's book?
7. What is Ingsoc and it's central tenet?
8. What is doublethink?
9. What eventually happens to Julia and Winston in the room over the antique shop? What role does Charrington play?

The items above are hints about the questions you might see on the test. Please post any questions you might have now, so you are ready when we return to school.

I hope you are finding the novel interesting!

PACING FOR 1984

In order to stay current with the summer reading, I recommend the following for 1984:

Have part II (through page 185) read by the end of this week (June 25).

Have part III (through the end of the book) read by July 1.

You should absolutely have the novel finished by the end of June, in order to begin Suns in early July.

Also, if anyone is interested in getting together at the end of June to discuss 1984, let us know and we will offer some dates/times.

Questions about part I are welcome! I encourage you to post any questions or comments about part I of 1984 to the comments section of the corresponding blog post. It might help clear up any confusion you are having over the novel, plus we will know that you are reading!!!

Hope you are having a great summer!

WELCOME TO 1984

By now you should already be reading 1984 and ideally should have part one (through page 87) read by the end of next week. If you follow the reading guide posted for you (1984 by the end of June and SUNS by the end of July), you will be in great shape by the time we return in August. Small pieces is the best way to handle this material.

On this blog, I will post study questions that should help you prepare for the test you will have during the first week of school. If you have questions or find yourself completely confused, PLEASE post a question. Don't worry about feeling silly for asking. I guarantee that if you are confused about something, you're not the only one.

THE TEST WILL INCLUDE QUESTIONS OVER THEMES AND IDEAS AND ALSO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT PLOT DETAILS TO CHECK FOR CAREFUL READING. Yet another reason to take detailed notes as you read.

Now, on to the study questions. I recommend WRITING OUT ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS YOU READ, as well as TAKING SEVERAL PAGES OF NOTES over the plot. Also, WRITE OUT ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE OVER THE NOVEL as you read. If you leave 1984 in June and go on to SUNS in July, it will be nice to look back on your notes over 1984 at the beginning of the school year as a reminder.

PART ONE QUESTIONS
1. What is the significance of the "Party" posters described at the beginning of the novel?
2. Explain the Two-Minutes Hate.
3. What is the irony in taking children to the park in the novel?
4. Describe the children in the novel. What are their attitudes towards adults? Describe their behavior.
5. Describe the dream Winston has about his family? Why do you think this might be significant?
6. Describe Winston's job. How does he feel about it?
7. What items are rationed and what items are made plentiful? Why are these items significant to the plot and theme of the novel?
8. Describe the Proles? Who are they? Why are they important? What are their values?
9. What is the Party's view of marriage? Describe Winston's marriage and his feelings for his wife.
10. What was the one possession Winston had held that was "concrete, unmistakable evidence of an act of falsification " by the party?
11. Explain the Party's view of capitalism.
12. Make a list of some of the terms used in the novel that are unique to this community controlled by Big Brother.
13. Make a list of things from the novel that have confused you or interested you so far.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO POST AN ANSWER TO OR QUESTION ABOUT AT LEAST ONE OF THESE ITEMS. DISCUSSING IT AS WE READ IS THE BEST WAY TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NOVEL AND PREPARE FOR THE TEST AND ASSIGNMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY THIS WORK.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS NOVEL. HAPPY READING, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS!

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSES! IF YOU'VE EMAILED ME AND HAVEN'T HEARD BACK, PLEASE TRY AGAIN:)

Thanks to all who have posted responses to the blog question! It was nice to see all of your different ideas about what you consider to be qualities of a scholar. I am impressed with your answers, and I enjoyed reading them.

As you can imagine, I began receiving many, many emails as we neared Monday's due date. Some of you were having problems posting, lost your invitation, etc. I have tried to respond to all of them; however, if you emailed me and did not receive a response, please try again (preferably to my yahoo account for now). I didn't mean to overlook any of your questions; I just have received a very large quantity of messages in the last few days and want to make sure everyone receives a response.

Check back soon for discussion over 1984! If you haven't started on the novel, now is the time! Happy reading!