Consider Winston and Julia’s relationship in 1984. In a mini-essay, explore the relationship between sex, love, and power as viewed in Oceania. More specifically, your essay should directly answer the following questions: How are love and sex viewed by INGSOC? What message is Orwell communicating about the power of love and sex?
Your essay should be at least four paragraphs in length. It should include a brief introduction with a thesis statement that directly answers the essay questions, two body paragraphs that closely examine three quotations from the text, and a brief conclusion that builds upon the original thesis statement.
Email your essay to devin@ucla.edu before class begins on Monday, April 7th. Hand written copies will also be accepted but digital copies are preferred.
Our Current Book: Toni Morrison's Beloved
Monday, March 31, 2008
Homework Due 4/1 & 4/2
- Read & Annotate Chapter 1 of Book 3 from 1984.
- Turn in any missing work.
- Work on Sex, Love, and Power mini-essay due Monday, 4/7 (see post for assignment)
Question from Remained of Book II
Pg.245.8 What order does Obrien dictate into the machine?
It might be written to warn someone or written to just someone, not sure, might be unknown.
Pg.268 A party member won’t say war is real?
They don’t doubt the war is real.
Was the telescreen always in the room that Winston rented from Mr. Charrington?
It's unknown.
What’s a Hierarchical society?
It’s a structure society, there is a top, middle and lower class.
What does this mean? “they add nothing to wealth of the world ,since whatever they produce is used for purposes of war…” pg264.4
You are more responsible for destroying than making the bomb.
What is the big importance that Orwell devotes to Brotherhood book?
The book is so important because, its all about introducing new things to the world and people, to try to give them ideas to get out of the things they don’t like.
Why does the inner party the only one who can turn of the telescreen?
They have the privilege. It would be a type of evidence that could be used to destroy the party. Also, they could be doing naughty things that they don’t want other people to see (think of the priest’s “last little pleasure” from V for Vendetta).
Why does the brotherhood in certain times change identity, face, age, and hair?
To cover up themselves so other people wont know is them, and to protect their identity.
It might be written to warn someone or written to just someone, not sure, might be unknown.
Pg.268 A party member won’t say war is real?
They don’t doubt the war is real.
Was the telescreen always in the room that Winston rented from Mr. Charrington?
It's unknown.
What’s a Hierarchical society?
It’s a structure society, there is a top, middle and lower class.
What does this mean? “they add nothing to wealth of the world ,since whatever they produce is used for purposes of war…” pg264.4
You are more responsible for destroying than making the bomb.
What is the big importance that Orwell devotes to Brotherhood book?
The book is so important because, its all about introducing new things to the world and people, to try to give them ideas to get out of the things they don’t like.
Why does the inner party the only one who can turn of the telescreen?
They have the privilege. It would be a type of evidence that could be used to destroy the party. Also, they could be doing naughty things that they don’t want other people to see (think of the priest’s “last little pleasure” from V for Vendetta).
Why does the brotherhood in certain times change identity, face, age, and hair?
To cover up themselves so other people wont know is them, and to protect their identity.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Plato's Allegory of the Cave
This symbolic story will be another theoretical lens with which we will read the story of 1984 through.
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
Background
The most important of Socrates’s young disciples was Plato (427-347 B.C.), who was one of the most powerful thinkers in history. Plato was also famous for writing all of Socrates’s philosophy in his place, thus making it difficult to distinguish between the thought of Socrates and that of Plato.
Stage #1: In the Cave
The essence of Plato’s philosophy is depicted allegorically in the Myth of the Cave, which appears in his most important work, the Republic. In this myth, Plato has Socrates think of the following vision: Imagine prisoners chained in such a way that they face the back wall of a cave. There they have been for life and can see nothing of themselves or of each other: They see only shadows on the wall of the cave.
These shadows are cast by a fire that burns on a ledge above and behind them. Between the fire and the prisoners is a wall-lined path along which people walk carrying vases, statues, and other artifacts on their heads. The prisoners hear the echoes of voices and see the shadows of the artifacts, and they mistake these echoes and shadows for reality (since this world is all they know).
Stage #2: Released from the Chains
Plato has Socrates imagine that one prisoner is unchained, turned around, and forced to look at the true source of the shadows. But the fire pains his eyes. He prefers the pleasant deception of the shadows.
Behind and above the fire is the mouth of the cave, and outside in the bright sunlight (only a little of which trickles into the cave) are trees, rivers, mountains, and sky.
Stage #3: The Long, Steep Ascent into the Light
Now the former prisoner is forced up the steep path that leads to the sunlit exterior world (n.b. this act represents education: an upward climb that ultimately leads to truth). But the light blinds him. He must first look at the shadows of the trees (since he is used to the shadows), then at the trees and mountains. Finally he is able to see the sun itself (n.b. this act represents reaching enlightenment).
Stage #4: Trying to Free the Blissfully Ignorant
Plato suggests that if this enlightened man were to return to the cave, he would appear ridiculous because he would see sunspots everywhere and not be able to penetrate the darkness.
And, if he tried to liberate his fellow prisoners, they would be so angry at him for disturbing their illusions that they would set upon him and kill him (n.b. these are similar circumstances that led to Socrates’s death).
Conclusion
This symbolic story, or allegory, of the liberation of the slave from darkness, deceit, and untruth and the slave’s hard journey into the light and warmth of the Truth has inspired many philosophers and social leaders.
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
Background
The most important of Socrates’s young disciples was Plato (427-347 B.C.), who was one of the most powerful thinkers in history. Plato was also famous for writing all of Socrates’s philosophy in his place, thus making it difficult to distinguish between the thought of Socrates and that of Plato.
Stage #1: In the Cave
The essence of Plato’s philosophy is depicted allegorically in the Myth of the Cave, which appears in his most important work, the Republic. In this myth, Plato has Socrates think of the following vision: Imagine prisoners chained in such a way that they face the back wall of a cave. There they have been for life and can see nothing of themselves or of each other: They see only shadows on the wall of the cave.
These shadows are cast by a fire that burns on a ledge above and behind them. Between the fire and the prisoners is a wall-lined path along which people walk carrying vases, statues, and other artifacts on their heads. The prisoners hear the echoes of voices and see the shadows of the artifacts, and they mistake these echoes and shadows for reality (since this world is all they know).
Stage #2: Released from the Chains
Plato has Socrates imagine that one prisoner is unchained, turned around, and forced to look at the true source of the shadows. But the fire pains his eyes. He prefers the pleasant deception of the shadows.
Behind and above the fire is the mouth of the cave, and outside in the bright sunlight (only a little of which trickles into the cave) are trees, rivers, mountains, and sky.
Stage #3: The Long, Steep Ascent into the Light
Now the former prisoner is forced up the steep path that leads to the sunlit exterior world (n.b. this act represents education: an upward climb that ultimately leads to truth). But the light blinds him. He must first look at the shadows of the trees (since he is used to the shadows), then at the trees and mountains. Finally he is able to see the sun itself (n.b. this act represents reaching enlightenment).
Stage #4: Trying to Free the Blissfully Ignorant
Plato suggests that if this enlightened man were to return to the cave, he would appear ridiculous because he would see sunspots everywhere and not be able to penetrate the darkness.
And, if he tried to liberate his fellow prisoners, they would be so angry at him for disturbing their illusions that they would set upon him and kill him (n.b. these are similar circumstances that led to Socrates’s death).
Conclusion
This symbolic story, or allegory, of the liberation of the slave from darkness, deceit, and untruth and the slave’s hard journey into the light and warmth of the Truth has inspired many philosophers and social leaders.
HW for Spring Break (Due Monday, 3/31/08)
- Read and annotate the rest of Book II (up to page 300)
- The Matrix & Plato’s Cave Assignment:
Watch the film The Matrix (the first movie, not the sequels). Identify how Neo passes through each stage of the allegory of Plato’s cave. Explain each stage in at least one paragraph making references to the characters in the movie (yes, you must talk about more characters than just Neo) and connect how it relates to Plato’s allegory (see the handout from class).
Checklist:
□ Brief introductory paragraph that connects Neo’s journey to Plato’s allegory
□ One paragraph explaining Neo’s journey through Stage #1 of the allegory (see Plato handout)
□ One paragraph explaining Neo’s journey through Stage #2 of the allegory
□ One paragraph explaining Neo’s journey through Stage #3
□ One paragraph explaining Neo’s journey through Stage #4
□ Brief concluding paragraph
Due Monday, March 31st, 2008 at the beginning of class. Can be emailed to devin@ucla.edu or handwritten.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Homework Due 3/18 & 3/19
- Read and annotate Chapter 8.
- Complete Close Inspection for Chapter #8 (see post below).
1984: Chapters #8 Close Inspection
1984: Chapters #8 Close Inspection
Based on the summary of Marxism given in class today, create a t-chart that explains the division in society that Marx makes note of. Be sure to use all of the terms bolded in the summary and add your own if you like. Start with the terms "Haves" and "Have Nots".
Chapter 8:
1.Describe Winston’s reaction to the “Steamer” 165.5-166.3. Find at least one juicy quotation that describes his reaction.
2. Find three quotations that describe Winston’s interest in the proles in Chapter 8.
Based on the summary of Marxism given in class today, create a t-chart that explains the division in society that Marx makes note of. Be sure to use all of the terms bolded in the summary and add your own if you like. Start with the terms "Haves" and "Have Nots".
Chapter 8:
1.Describe Winston’s reaction to the “Steamer” 165.5-166.3. Find at least one juicy quotation that describes his reaction.
2. Find three quotations that describe Winston’s interest in the proles in Chapter 8.
Marxism in 10 Minutes
A Summary of The Manifesto of the Communist Party
Marx and his co-author Friedrich Engels, begin The Communist Manifesto with the famous and provocative statement that the “history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle.” They argue that all changes in the shape of society come from the collective struggle on the part of groups of people with similar economic situations in order to realize their material or economic interests. These struggles, occurring throughout history from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages to the present day, have been struggles of economically SUBORDINATE classes against economically DOMINANT classes who opposed their economic interests – slaves against master, serfs against landlords, and so on.
The modern industrialized world has been shaped by one such subordinate class – the BOURGEOISIE, or merchant class – in its struggle against the aristocratic elite of feudal society. Over time, the bourgeoisie, whose livelihood is accumulating wealth, grew wealthier and more powerful politically, eventually taking the place of the elites they were struggling against. The bourgeoisie has risen to the status of dominant class in the modern industrial world, shaping political institutions and society according to its own interests. Far from doing away with class struggle, this once subordinate class, now dominant, replaced one class struggle with another.
The bourgeoisie is the most spectacular force in history to date. Their zeal for accumulating wealth led them to conquer the globe, forcing everyone everywhere to adopt capitalism as the main mode of economy. The bourgeoisie view, which sees the world as one big market for exchange, has fundamentally altered all aspects of society, even the family, destroying traditional ways of life and rural civilizations and creating enormous cities in their place. By doing so, the bourgeoisie created a new subordinate class that is responsible for driving this process of industrial expansion. This class is the industrial PROLETARIAT, or modern working class. These workers have been uprooted (and in some cases simply stolen) by the expansion of capitalism and forced to sell their labor to the bourgeoisie. This fact offends them to the core of their existence as they recall those workers of earlier ages who owned and sold what they created. Modern industrial workers are exploited by the bourgeoisie and forced to compete with one another for ever-shrinking wages since the means of production grow more sophisticated with new developing technologies.
The factory is the arena where class struggle will spill over into society at large. Modern industrial workers will come to recognize their exploitation at the hands of the bourgeoisie. Although the economic system forces them to compete with one another for ever-shrinking wages, through common association on the factory floor they will overcome the divisions between themselves, realize their common fate, and begin to engage in a collective effort to protect their economic interests against the bourgeoisie. The workers will form collective groups and gradually take their demands to the political sphere as a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, the workers will be joined by an ever-increasing number of the lower middle class whose economic livelihoods are being destroyed by the growth of huge factories owned by a shrinking number of super-rich industrial elites. Gradually, all of society will be drawn to one or the other side of the struggle: bourgeoisie or proletariat (or as Marx would say, the “HAVES” and the “HAVE NOTS”). Like the bourgeoisie before them, the proletariat and their allies will act together in the interests of realizing their economic aims. They will move to sweep aside the bourgeoisie and its institutions, which stand in the way of this realization. The bourgeoisie, through its established mode of production, produces the seeds of its own destruction: the working class.
This text is originally from Sparknotes 101: Philosophy (2005) by Spark Educational Publishing. Portions of the text have been modified to suit the needs of my students and this unit.
Marx and his co-author Friedrich Engels, begin The Communist Manifesto with the famous and provocative statement that the “history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle.” They argue that all changes in the shape of society come from the collective struggle on the part of groups of people with similar economic situations in order to realize their material or economic interests. These struggles, occurring throughout history from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages to the present day, have been struggles of economically SUBORDINATE classes against economically DOMINANT classes who opposed their economic interests – slaves against master, serfs against landlords, and so on.
The modern industrialized world has been shaped by one such subordinate class – the BOURGEOISIE, or merchant class – in its struggle against the aristocratic elite of feudal society. Over time, the bourgeoisie, whose livelihood is accumulating wealth, grew wealthier and more powerful politically, eventually taking the place of the elites they were struggling against. The bourgeoisie has risen to the status of dominant class in the modern industrial world, shaping political institutions and society according to its own interests. Far from doing away with class struggle, this once subordinate class, now dominant, replaced one class struggle with another.
The bourgeoisie is the most spectacular force in history to date. Their zeal for accumulating wealth led them to conquer the globe, forcing everyone everywhere to adopt capitalism as the main mode of economy. The bourgeoisie view, which sees the world as one big market for exchange, has fundamentally altered all aspects of society, even the family, destroying traditional ways of life and rural civilizations and creating enormous cities in their place. By doing so, the bourgeoisie created a new subordinate class that is responsible for driving this process of industrial expansion. This class is the industrial PROLETARIAT, or modern working class. These workers have been uprooted (and in some cases simply stolen) by the expansion of capitalism and forced to sell their labor to the bourgeoisie. This fact offends them to the core of their existence as they recall those workers of earlier ages who owned and sold what they created. Modern industrial workers are exploited by the bourgeoisie and forced to compete with one another for ever-shrinking wages since the means of production grow more sophisticated with new developing technologies.
The factory is the arena where class struggle will spill over into society at large. Modern industrial workers will come to recognize their exploitation at the hands of the bourgeoisie. Although the economic system forces them to compete with one another for ever-shrinking wages, through common association on the factory floor they will overcome the divisions between themselves, realize their common fate, and begin to engage in a collective effort to protect their economic interests against the bourgeoisie. The workers will form collective groups and gradually take their demands to the political sphere as a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, the workers will be joined by an ever-increasing number of the lower middle class whose economic livelihoods are being destroyed by the growth of huge factories owned by a shrinking number of super-rich industrial elites. Gradually, all of society will be drawn to one or the other side of the struggle: bourgeoisie or proletariat (or as Marx would say, the “HAVES” and the “HAVE NOTS”). Like the bourgeoisie before them, the proletariat and their allies will act together in the interests of realizing their economic aims. They will move to sweep aside the bourgeoisie and its institutions, which stand in the way of this realization. The bourgeoisie, through its established mode of production, produces the seeds of its own destruction: the working class.
This text is originally from Sparknotes 101: Philosophy (2005) by Spark Educational Publishing. Portions of the text have been modified to suit the needs of my students and this unit.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Homework Due MOnday, 4/16/08
1. No reading. But, make sure you have read & annotated chapters 1-7 by Monday.
2. Thematic Mini-Essay: Language & Power
Write a mini-essay that responds to the following question: What is Orwell communicating about the power of language and literacy in his novel 1984?
Your essay should be at least four paragraphs in length. It should include a brief introduction with a thesis statement, two body paragraphs that closely examine three quotations from the text, and a brief conclusion that builds upon the original thesis statement.
Email your essay to devin@ucla.edu before class begins on Monday, March 16th. Hand written copies will also be accepted but digital copies are preferred.
2. Thematic Mini-Essay: Language & Power
Write a mini-essay that responds to the following question: What is Orwell communicating about the power of language and literacy in his novel 1984?
Your essay should be at least four paragraphs in length. It should include a brief introduction with a thesis statement, two body paragraphs that closely examine three quotations from the text, and a brief conclusion that builds upon the original thesis statement.
Email your essay to devin@ucla.edu before class begins on Monday, March 16th. Hand written copies will also be accepted but digital copies are preferred.
Classwork for Chapter #7
Class Close Reading as a Class
Read over this passage from Chapter 7: 161.10-163.5 “He wondered, as he had many times wondered before…”
1. Read the sentence from 161.10 to 162.3 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one.”
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2. Read the sentences from 162.3 to 162.7 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The heresy of heresies was common sense. And what was terrifying was not that they would kill you for thinking otherwise, but that they might be right.”
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3. Read the sentences from 162.7 to 162.8 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The face of O’Brien, not called up by any obvious association, had floated into his mind. He knew, with more certainty than before, that O’Brien was on his side.”
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4. Read the sentences from 162.8 to 163.4 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The solid world exists, its laws do not change. Stones are hard, water is wet, objects unsupported fall toward the earth’s center.”
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This was the close reading we produced as a class. It was unfinished, but a good product nonetheless...
After reflecting upon his own participation of destroying history, Winston couldn’t understand why the government tried to falsify the past. Winston is doubting himself because he has no evidence to prove his beliefs about the party. Winston was writing in his journal and thought to himself, “Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one” (161.10). Orwell is saying to be a lunatic is to feel alone. The phrase “minority of one” means that Winston feels separated, different, or alone from everyone else in accepted beliefs. And Winston feels as if he’s alone in his beliefs against the party and the past. Therefore, he feels like a lunatic.
Winston’s doubt increases to the point where he thinks that the Party might actually be right. Upon his pondering, Winston suspects that “The heresy of heresies was common sense. And what was terrifying was not that they would kill you for thinking otherwise, but that they might be right.” According to Winston, the worst thing you can do is think clearly and logically. He believes that what was scary was not what the Party would do to you for independent thinking but that they might have evidence to prove that they are right. The Party is so good at controlling people’s thoughts that start to question what you once had evidence for and thought was true.
Since Winston had doubts about his thoughts, he decides that he is writing his diary to O’Brien. As he continues to write in his diary, all of sudden “The face of O’Brien, not called…”
Read over this passage from Chapter 7: 161.10-163.5 “He wondered, as he had many times wondered before…”
1. Read the sentence from 161.10 to 162.3 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Read the sentences from 162.3 to 162.7 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The heresy of heresies was common sense. And what was terrifying was not that they would kill you for thinking otherwise, but that they might be right.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Read the sentences from 162.7 to 162.8 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The face of O’Brien, not called up by any obvious association, had floated into his mind. He knew, with more certainty than before, that O’Brien was on his side.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Read the sentences from 162.8 to 163.4 below. Provide some summary or context of what is happening when these words appear in the story. Afterwards, interpret and explain its meaning in at least three sentences.
“The solid world exists, its laws do not change. Stones are hard, water is wet, objects unsupported fall toward the earth’s center.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
This was the close reading we produced as a class. It was unfinished, but a good product nonetheless...
After reflecting upon his own participation of destroying history, Winston couldn’t understand why the government tried to falsify the past. Winston is doubting himself because he has no evidence to prove his beliefs about the party. Winston was writing in his journal and thought to himself, “Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one” (161.10). Orwell is saying to be a lunatic is to feel alone. The phrase “minority of one” means that Winston feels separated, different, or alone from everyone else in accepted beliefs. And Winston feels as if he’s alone in his beliefs against the party and the past. Therefore, he feels like a lunatic.
Winston’s doubt increases to the point where he thinks that the Party might actually be right. Upon his pondering, Winston suspects that “The heresy of heresies was common sense. And what was terrifying was not that they would kill you for thinking otherwise, but that they might be right.” According to Winston, the worst thing you can do is think clearly and logically. He believes that what was scary was not what the Party would do to you for independent thinking but that they might have evidence to prove that they are right. The Party is so good at controlling people’s thoughts that start to question what you once had evidence for and thought was true.
Since Winston had doubts about his thoughts, he decides that he is writing his diary to O’Brien. As he continues to write in his diary, all of sudden “The face of O’Brien, not called…”
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Homework Due Thursday (3/13) & Friday (3/14)
- Read & Annotate Chapter #7
- Make sure you have finished the Close Reading/Mini-essay on Winston's dream. We will work with this on Thursday and Friday.
- Make up any missing chapter annotations from 1-6.
Class Questions: Chp. 5 & 6
1984: Chapters #5 & 6 Close Inspection
CHAPTER 5
1. Who is Syme? What is his job? How is his job connected with our discussions of knowledge and power?
2. Reflections on the “Taboo” activity:
3. Select three quotations from Chapter 5 that would be good evidence for proving how language is related to power. (Be sure to use the ten point tracking system.)
CHAPTER 6
1. Select four quotations that explain the role sex plays in Big Brother’s society. Explain or interpret each quotation in two sentences.
CHAPTER 5
1. Who is Syme? What is his job? How is his job connected with our discussions of knowledge and power?
2. Reflections on the “Taboo” activity:
- What was it like not being able to communicate your thoughts as clearly as you would have liked?
- What would life be like if the words listed as “taboo” actually didn’t exist any more?
- How are some people in our society actually given less language to work with? Who are they and how does this affect their lives?
3. Select three quotations from Chapter 5 that would be good evidence for proving how language is related to power. (Be sure to use the ten point tracking system.)
CHAPTER 6
1. Select four quotations that explain the role sex plays in Big Brother’s society. Explain or interpret each quotation in two sentences.
Class Questions: Chp. 4
1984: Chapter #4 Close Inspection
Describe Winston’s job. What does he do? Why is his job necessary?
Now, explain how Orwell was being ironic by giving Winston this particular job. (Remember: Irony is an inversion of what we would expect but results in something totally different.)
Select four quotations from this chapter that you think hold significance, further develop a theme or motif we have been following, or is full of symbolic meaning. Explain or interpret each in at least two sentences. Be sure to use the ten-point tracking system.
For example, one quotation that I think is particularly interesting is “It struck him as curious that you could create dead men but not living one.” (131.10). Try explaining the meaning of this sentence in at least two sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe Winston’s job. What does he do? Why is his job necessary?
Now, explain how Orwell was being ironic by giving Winston this particular job. (Remember: Irony is an inversion of what we would expect but results in something totally different.)
Select four quotations from this chapter that you think hold significance, further develop a theme or motif we have been following, or is full of symbolic meaning. Explain or interpret each in at least two sentences. Be sure to use the ten-point tracking system.
For example, one quotation that I think is particularly interesting is “It struck him as curious that you could create dead men but not living one.” (131.10). Try explaining the meaning of this sentence in at least two sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Homework Due Tuesday (3/11) & Wednesday (3/12)
- Catch up on missing work (especially the first close reading about Winston's dream)
- Read & Annotate Chapters 5 & 6 (19 pages)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Class Questions: Chp. 2 & 3 (Period 2)
• Why does his neighbor need help? - Jasper
His neighbor needs help because there was something wrong with her pipes and her husband was not there to assist her.
• Is it required for the citizens to exercise? - JohnPaul
It is required for them to have to exercise, another rule directed from the telescreeen.
• What is impedimenta? - Michelle
Materials, supplies
• What is Victory Mansions? - Alex
The Victory Mansions are where Winston lives. They are dubbed ‘Victory’ because they are all nationalized.
• Will Winston’s diary and thoughts be discovered? – JohnPaul
Yes, most likely.
• What is wrong with Parson’s kids? - Devin Ozdogu
They are brainwashed or indoctrinated into believing that hangings, or other forms of torture/regulations, are acceptable and normal.
• Why did Orwell create the character of Parsons? Devin Ozdogu
Character foil.
• Who is Tom Parsons? - Syrena
He also lives in Victory Mansions and has lunch with Winston. He is shown to be stupid.
• Why do the children seem like they are more into worshipping Big Brother?
They have been accustomed to the thought values/morals of the INGSOC.
• Where is the place of ‘no darkness’? - Alex
This could be the future, death, when the government falls, etc.
• Why do they shoot you in the back of the head? – Alex
It is a representation of exterminating the one thing people can do, which is think for themselves. They are severing the tie: cutting off your head/shooting you.
His neighbor needs help because there was something wrong with her pipes and her husband was not there to assist her.
• Is it required for the citizens to exercise? - JohnPaul
It is required for them to have to exercise, another rule directed from the telescreeen.
• What is impedimenta? - Michelle
Materials, supplies
• What is Victory Mansions? - Alex
The Victory Mansions are where Winston lives. They are dubbed ‘Victory’ because they are all nationalized.
• Will Winston’s diary and thoughts be discovered? – JohnPaul
Yes, most likely.
• What is wrong with Parson’s kids? - Devin Ozdogu
They are brainwashed or indoctrinated into believing that hangings, or other forms of torture/regulations, are acceptable and normal.
• Why did Orwell create the character of Parsons? Devin Ozdogu
Character foil.
• Who is Tom Parsons? - Syrena
He also lives in Victory Mansions and has lunch with Winston. He is shown to be stupid.
• Why do the children seem like they are more into worshipping Big Brother?
They have been accustomed to the thought values/morals of the INGSOC.
• Where is the place of ‘no darkness’? - Alex
This could be the future, death, when the government falls, etc.
• Why do they shoot you in the back of the head? – Alex
It is a representation of exterminating the one thing people can do, which is think for themselves. They are severing the tie: cutting off your head/shooting you.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Class Questions: Chp. 2 & 3 (Period 3)
What happened to Winston's family? -Nayeli
- It's unclear at this point. Although, we do know that Winston's family was somehow lost in the war and that he feels responsible.
- This is referring to Parsons's children. They were indoctrinated. They imitate what they see.
- It keeps people distracted. They don't remember their thoughts.
- This refers to an old man who was stuck with Winston and his family in a bomb shelter. The old man said that they shouldn't have trusted the nation that bombed them. However, overall, it's not remember clearly. There is no proof of anything.
- Possibilities:
- We shall meet in a place like heaven, where evil isn't watching them.
- When there is some evidence or proof...
- When there is no confusion (since darkness represents confusion)
- Since Oceanis is at war, people only get so much food provided by the government (called a "ration"). However, this chocolate is not real; it's crappy.
Homework Due Monday, 4/10/08
1. Read and annotate Chapter #4 (only 10 pages, yay!)
2. Complete the Close Reading Practice #1 write up and email to devin@ucla.edu before class on Monday morning (assignment below).
Close Reading Practice #1: Winston’s Dream
Take your examination of Winston’s dream (114.5-115.4) and turn it into a mini-essay. Transform your initial analysis of Orwell’s use of imagery, symbolism, or both into a thesis statement using the format below.
In [title of text], [the author] uses [literary device] in order to emphasize the importance of [state important idea that the author is trying to convey].
Each phrase or sentence you selected and explained will become a separate paragraph. Add concluding thoughts at the very end in a separate paragraph (this can be one sentence if done well).
Type up your close reading and email to devin@ucla.edu before class begins on Monday.
2. Complete the Close Reading Practice #1 write up and email to devin@ucla.edu before class on Monday morning (assignment below).
Close Reading Practice #1: Winston’s Dream
Take your examination of Winston’s dream (114.5-115.4) and turn it into a mini-essay. Transform your initial analysis of Orwell’s use of imagery, symbolism, or both into a thesis statement using the format below.
In [title of text], [the author] uses [literary device] in order to emphasize the importance of [state important idea that the author is trying to convey].
Each phrase or sentence you selected and explained will become a separate paragraph. Add concluding thoughts at the very end in a separate paragraph (this can be one sentence if done well).
Type up your close reading and email to devin@ucla.edu before class begins on Monday.
Classwork for Chapter #3 (4/6/08 & 4/7/08)
Chapter #3 Close Inspection
1. Examine the paragraph in 119.9 about “Who controls the past… controls future. Who controls the present controls the past.” Explain why this idea is so important. How does control over the past give the government complete hegemonic control over its people? (Hegemony: a state in which a small number of people exert nearly complete control over the masses.)
2. How does Winston explain the concept of doublethink (120.2-120.5)? What are his thoughts? What are yours? How is the idea of doublethink important for hegemony to exist?
3. Reread Winston’s dream (114.5-115.4). Which literary device is being used here (hint: it’s an easy one)? Explain how Orwell uses that literary device to say something about Winston and his past. Select four phrases or sentences and explain each one’s deep meaning in at least four sentences. Then, explain how Winston’s exploration of his own memory is tied to the need for Oceania to explore its memory.
Phrase or Sentence #1:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #2:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #3:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #4:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
1. Examine the paragraph in 119.9 about “Who controls the past… controls future. Who controls the present controls the past.” Explain why this idea is so important. How does control over the past give the government complete hegemonic control over its people? (Hegemony: a state in which a small number of people exert nearly complete control over the masses.)
2. How does Winston explain the concept of doublethink (120.2-120.5)? What are his thoughts? What are yours? How is the idea of doublethink important for hegemony to exist?
3. Reread Winston’s dream (114.5-115.4). Which literary device is being used here (hint: it’s an easy one)? Explain how Orwell uses that literary device to say something about Winston and his past. Select four phrases or sentences and explain each one’s deep meaning in at least four sentences. Then, explain how Winston’s exploration of his own memory is tied to the need for Oceania to explore its memory.
Phrase or Sentence #1:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #2:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #3:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Phrase or Sentence #4:
Explanation that tries to dig deeper and explain its meaning in at least 4 sentences.
Questions About Chapter #1 (Period 2)
What is Eurasia? – Jasper
• Eurasia is one of the three Superstates in the world: Eurasia, Eastasia, and Oceania
Is O’Brien the thought police or is he a normal citizen? – Mike
• We don’t know much about O’Brien at this point. He could be either.
Are the government trying to hide a date in time? - Mike
• It seems like so. Winston says that he doesn’t know the exact year and has know way of knowing what it could be.
Does Winston hate women in general or only during the 2 minutes of hate it seems he hates women more that are part of the anti-sex league? – John Paul
• The book states that Winston hates most women because they are often the most passionate supporters of the government. He also hates them because he wants to have sex with them but they refuse because they are members of the anti-sex league.
What is the point of the two minutes of Hate? –
• The point is to focus on enemies of the government so that people automatically support the government, feel that they need the government to protect them, and don’t notice when the government does something oppressive.
If Goldstein is the enemy why do they have to watch the 2 minutes of him everyday? – Erica
• They need to focus their hate on Goldstein since he is the supposed enemy of Oceania.
What is the inner party? – Syrena
• The inner party is a group of citizens in Oceania who have a lot of power. This is weird because this inequality doesn’t match with the philosophy of socialism.
What exactly do the people think about English socialism? - Claudia
• It seems like most people like INGSOC. But, obviously, Winston doesn’t. So, there may be more who don’t as well.
What is the ‘Bigoted Adherence’ mean? – Alex & Michelle
• This phrase refers to the women at Winston hates. “Bigoted” means extremely discriminatory, and “adherence” means loyal. So, these woman discriminate against others a lot because they are so loyal to the Party.
• Eurasia is one of the three Superstates in the world: Eurasia, Eastasia, and Oceania
Is O’Brien the thought police or is he a normal citizen? – Mike
• We don’t know much about O’Brien at this point. He could be either.
Are the government trying to hide a date in time? - Mike
• It seems like so. Winston says that he doesn’t know the exact year and has know way of knowing what it could be.
Does Winston hate women in general or only during the 2 minutes of hate it seems he hates women more that are part of the anti-sex league? – John Paul
• The book states that Winston hates most women because they are often the most passionate supporters of the government. He also hates them because he wants to have sex with them but they refuse because they are members of the anti-sex league.
What is the point of the two minutes of Hate? –
• The point is to focus on enemies of the government so that people automatically support the government, feel that they need the government to protect them, and don’t notice when the government does something oppressive.
If Goldstein is the enemy why do they have to watch the 2 minutes of him everyday? – Erica
• They need to focus their hate on Goldstein since he is the supposed enemy of Oceania.
What is the inner party? – Syrena
• The inner party is a group of citizens in Oceania who have a lot of power. This is weird because this inequality doesn’t match with the philosophy of socialism.
What exactly do the people think about English socialism? - Claudia
• It seems like most people like INGSOC. But, obviously, Winston doesn’t. So, there may be more who don’t as well.
What is the ‘Bigoted Adherence’ mean? – Alex & Michelle
• This phrase refers to the women at Winston hates. “Bigoted” means extremely discriminatory, and “adherence” means loyal. So, these woman discriminate against others a lot because they are so loyal to the Party.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Homework Due 4/6 & 4/7
Read and annotate Chapters 2 & 3 (Remember to annotate at least twice a page).
Complete the Close Inspection of Chapter #2 handout (it is copy/pasted below).
Read the following passage from Chapter #1 105.4-105.9. Then read this passage from Chapter #2 109.2-109.10. Orwell is foreshadowing here. Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author drops subtle hints about plot developments to come later in the story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreshadowing). What do you think Orwell is foreshadowing?
Closely inspect pages 112.3-114.5. What do you think Orwell is saying about memory, the past, and literacy? More specifically, find two quotations that stand out about memory and the past (N.B. Remember to use the 10-point marking system). Explain the significance of each of these quotations in four sentences each. Then, find two quotations that discuss the power of reading and writing. Explain the significance of each of these quotations in four sentences each.
Memory & the Past
1.
2.
Literacy (the power of reading and writing)
1.
2.
Complete the Close Inspection of Chapter #2 handout (it is copy/pasted below).
Read the following passage from Chapter #1 105.4-105.9. Then read this passage from Chapter #2 109.2-109.10. Orwell is foreshadowing here. Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author drops subtle hints about plot developments to come later in the story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreshadowing). What do you think Orwell is foreshadowing?
Closely inspect pages 112.3-114.5. What do you think Orwell is saying about memory, the past, and literacy? More specifically, find two quotations that stand out about memory and the past (N.B. Remember to use the 10-point marking system). Explain the significance of each of these quotations in four sentences each. Then, find two quotations that discuss the power of reading and writing. Explain the significance of each of these quotations in four sentences each.
Memory & the Past
1.
2.
Literacy (the power of reading and writing)
1.
2.
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