Choose one of the topics listed below. Complete the following pre-writing activities: brainstorm, outline, rough draft (Show evidence of proofreading and revision.), and written evaluation. The length of the brainstorm, outline, and rough draft should reflect the expected length of the computer-generated final. The final composition should be 2-3 computer-generated pages. Use MLA Style: 1” margins, double-spaced, 12 font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri), heading, running header, page numbers, and a works cited page. You must have at least three sources, including the novel. The additional sources should be literary criticisms. Visit the library’s databases and search the Gale Discovery Collection.
1. Some critics think that Orwell patterned the superstate of Oceania after the totalitarian regimes of Hitler in Germany and Stalin in the Soviet Union. Respond to this statement, giving examples from the book to support your opinions.
2. Is the story believable? Why or why not?
3. The novel does not explain how the Party came to power. Would it help your understanding of the society portrayed in the novel to know more about its background?
4. The Afterword states that the mood of the novel is hopelessness. How well is this portrayed?
5. Winston and Julia readily believed Mr. Charrington’s explanation that the picture was bolted to the wall, and that there was no telescreen in the room. Why do you think they were so easily convinced of this, without checking behind the picture themselves? Is this a flaw in the novel, or do you think Orwell is trying to tell the reader something about the characters of Winston and Julia?
6. How effective is the use of Newspeak? How does it help the reader understand the society?
7. How effective is the use of doublethink? How does it help the reader understand the society?
8. How do the physical descriptions of Big Brother and Goldstein add to the novel?
