1984, Book 2

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 #4: due Wednesday, April 8
Look at Julia and Winston’s conversation at the end of Chapter 2. One statement that really stands out is when Winston, “I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don’t want any virtue to exist anywhere.” Think of John’s defiant speech to Mustapha Mond at the end of Chapter 17 of Brave New World. Do these statements relate in any way? What is Winston saying here? And are there other notable statements here that you feel you should bring up?

Post #5: due Thursday, April 9
Describe the relationship between Winston and Julia. Focus particularly on their different worldviews. How are they different from each other? How are the similar?

Post #6: due Friday, April 10
Pay careful attention to the last paragraph in Chapter 6, which begins “He knew sooner or later…” What does Winston seem to know? What is being foreshadowed here? Also, what do you think of O’Brien up to this point?

Comment #2: also due Friday, April 10
You must comment on at least one classmate’s blog, on post 4, 5, or 6. This needs to be an intelligent, thoughtful response to their post. Extra comments can earn you extra credit.

Post #7: due Monday, April 15
Orwell spends a great deal of time discussing Winston’s dreams. Discuss and analyze the dream sequence in Chapter 8. What does this dream suggest about Winston’s psychological state? Why might this dream be important to an understanding of Winston’s character? To the book as a whole?

Post #8: due Wednesday, April 15
After his meeting with O’Brien at O’Brien’s home, Winston receives a book, ostensibly written by Emmanuel Goldstein. The book is supposed to explain how the society in which Winston now lives evolved. Focus on these passages. Look particularly at the theory of the High, Middle, and Low classes. If true, what does this theory mean about the proles? How might it alter Winston’s hopes for the proles? Does this theory of history make sense to you?

Comment #3: due Thursday, April 16
You must comment on at least one classmate’s blog, on post 7 or 8. This needs to be an intelligent, thoughtful response to their post. Extra comments can earn you extra credit.