1984 – Close Textual Analysis
Diction, imagery and syntax are effectively used through 1984 to convey Orwell’s personal attitudes and
opinions about totalitarianism. For each of the following passage, closely read and analyze the elements
indicated and the effect created.
1. “You will have heard rumours of the existence of the Brotherhood. . . . only true life is in the
future” (Orwell 183). Using the notes on syntax and diction, explain how O’Brien continues to
serve the ideologies of the Party.
In this passage, O’Brien tells Winston that the Brotherhood is real to feed Smith’s rebellious nature. As a
result, he continues to gain Winston’s trust but does not reveal that he is an operative for the Party and Big
Brother. Thus, he works behind the scenes to support the ideologies of the Party and ensnare nonconformists.
He states, however, that the Brotherhood does not exist as Winston previously thought or envisioned. O’Brien
uses the polysyllabic and covert words “underworld”, “conspirators”, and “secretly” to relay that the Brotherhood
is NOT some large supportive group that will save Winston if discovered . Thus, the specific language that O’Brien
uses lets Winston know that the Brotherhood is not some huge organization that he can clandestinely find refuge
in, and as a result, feeds Winston’s dependency on him. In this way, O’Brien continues to keep Winston close so he
can watch him to serve the party. Furthermore, O’Brien continues to gain Winston’s trust through his “apparent”
honesty. In a series of short, simple sentences which employ anaphora, O’Brien is able to emphasize the dire
consequences of supporting the Brotherhood if caught by the Party. Through the repetition of the phrases “You
will you get no help,” “ you will be caught,” and “you will confess,” O’Brien quickly and methodically states the
negative impact and inescapable punishment that Winston will face if his disloyalty is discovered. Thus, Orwell’s
sentence structure accentuates the imminent danger that Winston faces for his disloyalty. Although O’Brien is
being honest with Winston about the unavoidable repercussions of his defiance, Winston is led to believe that
O’Brien is actually looking out for him and that he can trust O’Brien. Thus, through specific language and Orwell’s
writing style, the author develops O’Brien as a character who effectively serves the needs of the party by betraying
and spying on citizens of Oceania.
YOUR TURN:
2. “There was a sound of marching boots outside. The steel . . . weak frame and nervous
movements” (241-242). Using the notes of syntax and imagery, explain how each element
contributes to the development of mood.
3. “”That was forty,’ said O’Brien. ‘You can see that the . . . . explain and persuade rather than to
punish” (257). Using the notes on syntax and diction, analyze the effectiveness of each on the
development of tone.
4. “The chinless man obeyed. His large pouchy cheeks . . . humiliation” (247-248). Using the notes
on syntax, diction, and imagery, comment on the effectiveness of each stylistic element to
develop a central theme in the text.
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For each passage, you should have a well written analysis that specifically identifies how
language, sentence structure, variety, length, punctuation, and/or imagery is used to convey
meaning.
As a starting point, perhaps copy the passage so that you can annotate each specifically for the
components indicated before you try to draw conclusions.
Answers will be shared tomorrow, and one task will be collected and returned before the test
for feedback.