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.