1984 in 2013

War is peace.

Freedom is slavery.

Ignorance is strength.

These are the slogans of The Party -- the governmental entity that's running the show in George Orwell's novel 1984.


We'll be meeting on April 12th to discuss Orwell's prophetic book, and it was prophetic indeed. Originally published in 1949, the novel remains startlingly relevant today.

Incidentally, if it was published in 1949, that probably means he was finishing it up in 1948. Can you guess how he came up with the date for his title? 

Of course, it's now 2013 (nearly 30 years AFTER the ominous title date and almost 65 years after Orwell wrote it), but as I said, this novel remains a stern warning of the kind of society that can be produced by a totalitarian government. Of course, the best way to see what 1984 is all about is to read it.

As you read, consider the following questions: 

1. What role does technology play in the book? How does the Party use it? Do you see any "real life" examples of technology being used in this way today?
   
2. How does the Party control language, and why do they do it?

And when you've finished reading, complete one of the assignments below and bring it to our discussion on the 12th:

• Answer  one of the questions above in writing.
  
• Identify a major theme of the book and be ready to explain why you think it is a major theme (you should be able to offer evidence from the book as support). For example, if you decided that one of the major themes of the book was "Allowing goats to drive will surely bring about the end of civilization," you ought to be able to point to a few quotes that demonstrate the ill effects of granting drivers' licenses to our caprine friends.
  
• Find a current news article that seems to be telling the truth, and rewrite it in Newspeak. Or, find a current news article that seems to employ a bit of Newspeak and explain how it does so.
  
• Complete an assignment of your own design. Did reading this book make you want to write, draw, make a collage, take a few photos, paint, blog, research a modern society that resembles Oceania (there are a few)? Go ahead. And bring your 1984-inspired creation to our discussion. 

Questions? Post them here. I'll see you on the 12th. Until then, happy reading!