BOTH BOOKS, C20 dystopias try to control humans. (Think about Freud’s remarks that civilization forces
us to repress our true “selves”.) In these novels, Keep track, perhaps in chart form, of the following.
a) The intention of the controls/limits placed on humans.
b) How those limits are placed on society
What is disallowed?
What is required?
What fancy technology is invented for the purpose of controlling humans?
c) What are the psychological effects of the limitations?
d) What social problems (if any) arise as a result of the controls?
e) What kind of political system is needed?
f) What are the values/virtues of the system? Justice, peace, happiness, security…?
g) What kinds of equality are and are not fostered by the system.
h) What ironies (if any) emerge as a result of the artificial systems which are created?
2. What is the nature of the hero in each dystopia?
3. All through… keep track of what contemporary (ie 1932 for Huxley. 1948 for Orwell) events are
being satirized.
HUMANITIES: May 8-23 For Monday. Brave New World Chapters 1 and 2. and questions 1984 CH 1. and questions
Monday in class Welcome Back. Syllabus .
Discuss reading. List ‘bromides in BNW. Slogans in 1984
For Wednesday. BNW chapters 3-5 and questions 1984 ch 2-5 and questions
In class Wednesday. Continue discussion. Erich Fromm on Equality. Utopia and dystopia.
For Thursday : BNW 6-8, 1984 ch 6-8 and questions
For Friday BNW 9-10 1984 88-150
For Monday May 18 BNW 11-13 and TEST 1984 up to 150
For Wednesday ALL 1984 152-165 Goldstein’s book. BNW 14-15 1984 186-215
For Thursday BNW ch 14-15 and 1984 165-215
For Wednesday Finish book, also BNW foreward, 1984 Afterword.
In class Wednesday final discussion and satire of 2015.