GEORGE ORWELLS 1984 Biographical Information George Orwell was

GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984

Biographical Information George Orwell was the pen name of Eric Blair His father was an official in the Indian Civil Service. During that time, India was under British rule. Orwell was born in India, but schooled in Britain.

Biographical Info. , con’t. Though not wealthy, he attended a school for wealthy children on reduced tuition. He endured prejudice and humiliation from the headmaster and his classmates. At 14, he came into contact with popular socialist and liberal ideas of his time. He served in the British Civil Service in Burma for five years, but he was miserable.

Biographical Info. , con’t. He lived with the working class and poor in France and England, married and became a teacher. He began to be even more influenced by socialist ideas. He wrote several stories, essays, and novels. In 1949, 1984 was published. In 1950, he died from poor health and exhaustion.

General Objectives for 1984 Explore satire and anti-utopian literature Describe the nature of dictators/dictatorship Understand the story’s symbols Understand the author’s style and use of irony Contrast characters Chart the effect of human cruelty/kindness

Specific Objectives for 1984 Explore themes of rebellion, oppression, loyalty, and betrayal Describe the author’s purpose in writing the novel Understand the symbolism of the diary, paper weight, rats, and Big Brother Describe the importance of memory

Specific Objectives, con’t. Understand the relationships among language , freedom, and power Evaluate the novel’s themes and their relevance to today’s world Analyze what Winston represents Explore the ways in which power can be abused

Key Issues Manipulation of language to present a “truth” (propaganda, advertising, for example) Censorship Technological implications in society— potential uses and abuses Government control vs. individual rights

Extra Credit Opportunity

Find allusions to “Big Brother” in the news/media to share.