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!
4) The children in the novel are fiercely loyal to the party. This is most likely because they are the first generation to be born into a country ruled by Big Brother. Winston's generation had seen the Party's takeover, (although most don't remember due to the memory-altering propoganda that the citizens are forced to listen to every day.) There is even a Junior Spies organization that trains children to identify and turn in thought criminals-even if these criminals happen to be their own parents-which the children and excited and enthused to be a part of.
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