1984 Study Guide

Suggested Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast Julia and Winston. How does each rebel against the Party, and are these rebellions at all effective?
2. Trace Winston's path towards destruction. Where do we first see his fatalistic outlook? Is his defeat inevitable?
3. Discuss the role of technology in Oceania. In what areas is technology highly advanced, and in what areas has its progress stalled? Why?
4. Discuss the role of Big Brother in Oceania and in Winston's life. What role does Big Brother play in each?
5. Discuss contradiction in Oceania and the Party's governance, i.e. Ministry of Love, Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Plenty, Ministry of Peace. Why is such contradiction accepted so widely?
6. Discuss and analyze the role O'Brien plays in Winston's life. Why is he such a revered and respected character, even during Winston's time in the Ministry of Love?
7. Discuss the symbolic importance of the prole woman singing in the yard behind Mr. Charrington's apartment. What does she represent for Winston, and what does she represent for Julia?
8. 1984 is a presentation of Orwell's definition of dystopia and was meant as a warning to those of the modern era. What specifically is Orwell warning us against, and how does he achieve this?
9. Analyze the interactions between Winston and the old man in the pub, Syme, and Mr. Charrington. How do Winston's interactions with these individuals guide him towards his ultimate arrest?
10. Analyze the Party's level of power over its citizens, specifically through the lens of psychological manipulation. Name the tools the Party uses to maintain this control and discuss their effectiveness.
11. Outline the social hierarchy of Oceania. How does this hierarchy support the Party and its goals?