1984, Book 1

All blogs must be posted prior to the start of class. All should be 200 words or more in length. You are expected to use proper mechanics and a formal tone. If you have difficulties with Blogger, this is not an excuse for not posting—email it to me or print it off and hand it to me instead. You may receive half credit if you post a day late; no credit will be received after that.

Post #1: due Wednesday, March 18
Every novel, no matter how realistic it seems, creates its own unique world. In High Fidelity, the world resembled our own so precisely that we barely noticed the process. In Brave New World, nearly the first eight chapters are spent establishing a picture of the World State before John is introduced and the action really gets started. This is because, in a futuristic or fantasy novel, the creation of the world is even more complicated and more important to pay attention to than in a regular fiction piece, precisely because it’s like nothing we’ve experienced before.
The first three chapters of 1984 invite us into the world of Airstrip One (formerly England) in the fictitious year of 1984. Read these chapters carefully and describe this world as completely as you can. In your answer, you should consider the following: What is the government like? What are people’s lives like? How did things get this way? Do you not any characteristics of a dystopian society? What are they?

Post #2: due Thursday, March 19
Already this year, we have seen many characters contemplate the importance of language. Rob (High Fidelity), Kip and Almasy (The English Patient), and Helmholtz (Brave New World) have all given speechs on this subject. In Book 1 of 1984, we again get a discussion of the importance of language and how it relates to freedom. To begin, think about why Winston is writing in his diary and why this is a crime. In what way is writing things down a threat to the Party? Why is Winston drawn to this activity? Now consider Syme’s job of destroying words. Discuss the control of language as a method of controlling individuality.

Post #3: due Monday, March 23
In the second half of Book 1, we learn quite a bit about the methods of control used by the government. The most effective are language (which you have already discussed) and changing the past. Discuss the concept of “controlling the past,” both as a concept and the specific methods the Party uses. Why is this method so devastatingly effective?

Comment #1: due Wednesday, March 25
You must comment on at least one classmate’s blog. This needs to be an intelligent, thoughtful response to their post. Extra comments can earn you extra credit.