Brave New World Part 2
1. Few of Huxley's predictions have proven to be perfectly accurate, yet many aspects of the Utopia of
Brave New World feel uncomfortably like our world. Talk about the book as a prophetic vision of the future. Which aspects of the book did you find most disturbing? Which hit closest to home? Which seem the most far-fetched?
2. When Brave New World was first published in 1932, the world was plunged in depression, fascism was on the rise in Western Europe, and Marxism appealed to increasing numbers of intellectuals in Europe and America. Place the book in the context of its historical moment. Which parts transcend its time and place?
3. The two greatest obscenities in the society of Brave New World are birth and mother. Why?
4. Talk about Huxley's use of narrator. Does the fact that Huxley's vision was impaired for part of his life have any bearing on the way he narrates the story and sets the scenes?
5. Shah says in his article on consumption, “Research suggests social connections, marital status and health are what make ultimate happy lives.” Describe three ways Huxley’s dystopia prevents these.
6. In the same article, Richard Robbins states that “the consumer was well entrenched in the United
States, complete with spiritual framework and an intellectual rationalization that glorified the continued consumption of commodities as personally fulfilling.” Find evidence that this happens in Huxley’s world.
7. Compare and contrast the dystopias of Bernard’s world with the Savage reservation.
Brave New World Part 2
1. Few of Huxley's predictions have proven to be perfectly accurate, yet many aspects of the Utopia of
Brave New World feel uncomfortably like our world. Talk about the book as a prophetic vision of the future. Which aspects of the book did you find most disturbing? Which hit closest to home? Which seem the most far-fetched?
2. When Brave New World was first published in 1932, the world was plunged in depression, fascism was on the rise in Western Europe, and Marxism appealed to increasing numbers of intellectuals in Europe and America. Place the book in the context of its historical moment. Which parts transcend its time and place?
3. The two greatest obscenities in the society of Brave New World are birth and mother. Why?
4. Talk about Huxley's use of narrator. Does the fact that Huxley's vision was impaired for part of his life have any bearing on the way he narrates the story and sets the scenes?
5. Shah says in his article on consumption, “Research suggests social connections, marital status and health are what make ultimate happy lives.” Describe three ways Huxley’s dystopia prevents these.
6. In the same article, Richard Robbins states that “the consumer was well entrenched in the United
States, complete with spiritual framework and an intellectual rationalization that glorified the continued consumption of commodities as personally fulfilling.” Find evidence that this happens in Huxley’s world.
7. Compare and contrast the dystopias of Bernard’s world with the Savage reservation.

1984 Part 2
1. Few of Orwell’s predictions have proven to be perfectly accurate, yet many aspects of the dystopia feel uncomfortably like our world. Talk about the book as a prophetic vision of the future. Which aspects of the book did you find most disturbing? Which hit closest to home? Which seem the most far-fetched?
2. When 1984 was first published in 1950, the world was coming out of the aftereffects of WW2 and
Marxism appealed to increasing numbers of intellectuals in Europe and America. Place the book in the context of its historical moment. Which parts transcend its time and place?
3. As best you can, define “doublethink” and “newspeak.” Use examples from the text as part of your definition.
4. Shah says in his article on consumption, “Research suggests social connections, marital status and health are what make ultimate happy lives.” Describe three ways Orwell’s dystopia prevents these.
5. Describe Julia’s character as it relates to Winston. How is she different from him? How is she similar to him? How does Julia’s age make her attitude toward the Party very different from
Winston’s?
6. How does Winston feel about the Proles? How have his beliefs developed? What, exactly, are the Proles?
7. Compare how Big Brother treats the Proles with how “he” treats the party members.
1984 Part 2
1. Few of Orwell’s predictions have proven to be perfectly accurate, yet many aspects of the dystopia feel uncomfortably like our world. Talk about the book as a prophetic vision of the future. Which aspects of the book did you find most disturbing? Which hit closest to home? Which seem the most far-fetched?
2. When 1984 was first published in 1950, the world was coming out of the aftereffects of WW2 and
Marxism appealed to increasing numbers of intellectuals in Europe and America. Place the book in the context of its historical moment. Which parts transcend its time and place?
3. As best you can, define “doublethink” and “newspeak.” Use examples from the text as part of your definition.
4. Shah says in his article on consumption, “Research suggests social connections, marital status and health are what make ultimate happy lives.” Describe three ways Orwell’s dystopia prevents these.
5. Describe Julia’s character as it relates to Winston. How is she different from him? How is she similar to him? How does Julia’s age make her attitude toward the Party very different from
Winston’s?
6. How does Winston feel about the Proles? How have his beliefs developed? What, exactly, are the Proles?
7. Compare how Big Brother treats the Proles with how “he” treats the party members.