1984 Study Guide
Answer EACH of the following questions in 1-2 well developed paragraphs
(Complete EACH writing after you have read the underlined section). Do not
be vague and do not just summarize—provide specific examples from the text
to support your opinions. Final guide should ultimately be 5-6 typed pages in
length, (Slightly more, ok)
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MLA format (DS/TNR/12 pt/header with page number/last name)
1st person allowed. Do not use YOU. Edit for grammar, spelling,
punctuation.
Title each paragraph or two with the corresponding book/chapter
number .
E-text at http://www.george-orwell.org/1984/index.html
Book One, Chapters 1-2
What elements do you find most terrifying or depressing about Winston’s world? Do
you like Winston as a protagonist?
Book One, Chapters 3-4
Dreams are key to this book. Describe (and try to analyze) Winston’s dreams about:
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O’Brien (Chapter 2)
Winston’s mother
The Golden Country
Book One, Chapters 5-7
We are introduced to three perfect citizens in these chapters- Syme, Parsons, and
Katherine. What do they have in common? What makes them ideal citizens of Oceania?
Book One, Chapter 8
Winston should gain much knowledge from his visit to the proles’ end of London, but he
is blind to the lessons. What did he ignore in the meetings with the old man in the pub
and Mr. Charrington? Why is Winston so interested in the past?
Book Two, Chapters 1-2
Why does Winston accept Julia’s offer? What is her philosophy of life and survival? Do
you like her as a character from what you have seen so far?
Book Two, Chapters 3-4
What does the paperweight symbolize? The song about the church bells? Is there hope
that Winston can continue in this new life?
Book Two, Chapters 5-9
Love and loyalty, confession and betrayal are discussed in this section. How does each of
these connect to the meeting with O’Brien? Are you excited that the Brotherhood
actually exists?
Book Two, Chapter 9, The Book (answer each in 1-2 sentences)
1. What three classes of people have always existed? In what ways have these three
classes changed?
2. What is the purpose of war in the world of 1984?
3. What are the two aims of the Party?
4. What are the two problems with which the Party is concerned?
5. Why do all three superpowers forbid their citizens from associating with
foreigners?
6. What are the aims of the three groups?
7. What are the four ways an elite group falls from power? How does the Inner
Party make certain it will not fall from power?
8. How is a person’s class determined in the 1984 world?
9. What is doublethink and what is its purpose to the ruling class?
10. Why will this ruling class live on while earlier tyrants fell?
11. What understanding does Winston gain about the common people? (Chp. 10)
12. What is the significance of the glass paperweight here? (Chp. 10)
Book Three, Chapters 1-2
Where is Winston, and what is happening to him? What is O’Brien trying to teach
Winston? Which elements of the Ministry of Love do you find most disturbing?
Book Three, Chapter 3
Explain the slogan, “Freedom is slavery”.
Book Three, Chapters 4-6
What happens in Room 101, and how does it change Winston? Is the ending of the book
the only possible ending, or could Orwell have gone another direction after all that has
happened to Winston?
You may be asked to submit some of the above entries throughout the next two months at regular intervals and may
have time available to complete some in class. Either way, at the completion of the unit, staple together all of the
above typed pages on the left hand corner. Submit for final composition grade no later than May 13th.