‘1984’ Setting Critical Essay Feedback
INTRODUCTION
You MUST explicitly state why the setting is significant,
e.g.
It enhances the readers’ understanding of both the character of Winston
and of the theme of control.
“The setting aids our understanding of the main characters, Winston and
Julia, in additional to exposing the complete control and oppression of a
society by a totalitarian government”
OR
“Through the setting we discover the near unlimited power of the
merciless Party; thus reinforcing Orwell’s message about the danger of
totalitarian regimes. ”
OPENING
 Remember to refer to the telescreens (which can never be turned off!)
 You can even give the example of when Winston is shouted at to touch his
toes during morning exercise.

When referring to the hypocrisy of the Ministry buildings being “pristine”
and “glittering”, link this to the relative luxury O’Brien lives in where the
carpets are like “velvet” and the telescreen can be turned off. This
disparity in living conditions does not embody the socialist ideals of
Ingsoc.
CHARRINGTON’S SHOP
 Remember to comment on the fact that this shop is in the Prole area and
it is here that Winston feels human. The Proles are exempt from Party
doctrine and as such have a relative ‘freedom’ that Winston can only
dream of. The red-armed Prole woman is a symbol of this freedom which
is why Winston admires her so. He believes ultimately that “hope lies in
the Proles” and envies their lifestyle.
CHESTNUT TREE CAFÉ
Comment on the fact that Winston had once watched Jones, Aaronson and
Rutherford whiling away their days in the Chestnut Tree Café. His fate appears to
mirror theirs; resistance appears to be futile.
CONCLUSION
…in which the writer’s use of setting plays a significant role in deepening our
understanding of the novel’s themes and characters. ‘1984’ portrays the most
extreme realisation imaginable of a government with absolute power and
provides a terrifying vision of the future. The setting of the novel increases our
appreciation of the novel as a whole as it illustrates the merciless barbarity of a
totalitarian government . In an age of rampant CCTV coverage and data
surveillance, Orwell’s message remains as relevant as ever.