In the following lessons, you will read and study the classic novel 1984.
You are required use of a textual version (book or digital) of this novel.
You will answer questions and learn about this novel’s key elements.
You will play game quizzes reviewing this novel’s content.
You will complete a 3 minute timed quiz after each lesson.
Finally, you will complete a 30 minute timed quiz assessing your acquired learning for this course.
Novel elements in a ‘nut-shell’…
Plot: The pitfalls of a dystopian society based upon rigid authoritarian control, strict uniformity, thought control and personal surveillance
Setting: The near future in London on Airstrip One (England) in the authoritarian super state of Oceania (the Americas, Great Britain, Australia and South Africa) where Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia rule in the new futuristic world order.
Themes: Totalitarianism, Power, Censorship, Surveillance, Propaganda, Technology, Language
Major Characters
Winston: a middle-aged emotionless, pessimistic and slightly defiant records ‘editor’ (rewriting history) at the Oceania Ministry of ‘Truth’
Julia: the unconcerned and slightly rebellious worker at the Ministry of Truth and Winston’s lover
O’Brien: an enigmatic mole working for ‘Big Brother’ out to stop and capture Winston and Julia
Aaronson, Jones, and Rutherford: wrongfully executed former members of the ruling repressive political Party INGSOC (English Socialism) vaguely remembered by Winston
Ampleforth: a sensitive former worker at the Ministry of Truth persecuted for his use of the ‘wrong language’
Charrington: an undercover agent (spy) for Big Brother and the Thought Police posing as an antique dealer
Katharine: Winston’s unemotional and undesirable estranged wife who adhered to the Inner Party’s suppression of sexuality
Tom Parsons: Winston’s neighbor who despite being unfairly ‘turned in’ by his own daughter, nevertheless continues to support Big Brother and the Inner Party
Mrs. Parsons: Parsons’ unfortunate wife cowed by her own kids
Syme: a ‘disappeared’ ex-lexicographer in the Ministry of Truth who despite being a loyal supporter of the Inner Party and his good work, became an ‘intellectual threat’
Big Brother: INGSOC’s namesake, an overbearing entity and Oceania’s autocratic ruler rigidly suppressing personal freedom and thought
Goldstein: a counter-revolutionary entity and leader of the ‘Brotherhood’ endeavoring to destroy all forms of totalitarian ideology (INGSOC), its institutions and supporters in Oceania.
