1) What do the crowds do, specifically, when they are told that Oceania is not at war with Eurasia, but is at war with Eastasia?
The crowds went along with this change in enemy, and even found themselves ashamed that they were being hateful towards Eurasia, when the 'real' enemy is Eastasia. Quickly after they understand this, they proceed to aim their hate towards Eastasia, completely disregarding any conflict with Eurasia.
2) In a paragraph, describe what the employees at the Record Department have to do with this new information?
Winston becomes very flustered and busy after this change in enemy, and everyone in the Records Department need to erase any evidence that may suggest that they have not always been at war with Eastasia. The workers were made to work eighteen hours a day, with two three hour blocks of time in which they could sleep. The work that they were doing was not even being allowed to be called by name, because it would be against what the Party wants them to be doing.
3) What is an oligarchy?
An oligarchy is a government run by a group of people, most of which are defined by wealth and status.
4) Who is the author of the book?
Goldstein is found to be the confirmed author of the book that is sent to Winston through O'Brien.
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Part 2: Chapter 8
1) How is O’Brien’s room different from Winston’s flat? Give details.
Because O'Brien is of higher status than Winston, he is privileged to have a much larger, and more regal living space. O'Brien is allowed to turn off his telescreen and Winston is not allowed to. O'Brien's home is softly lit and comfortable, with carpets that give off a feeling of velvet, and smells like quality food and good tobacco, unfamiliar scents to Winston because he has only smelled cheap food and tobacco.
2) To whom do they raise their wine glasses?
Winston, Julia, and O'Brien all raised their glasses to the Leader of the Brotherhood, Emmanuel Goldstein.
3) State two things Julia and Winston are willing to do for the Party.
Julia and Winston both answer yes to O'Brien when he asked if they would die for the cause, or kill innocent people if it will benefit the Brotherhood, among other drastic situations, almost all of which they confirmed that they would do so as the Brotherhood pleased.
4) What does Julia say she will not do?
Julia states that she will not, under any circumstances, separate
from Winston.
5) Who wrote the book O’brien promises to send Winston?
O'Brien seems to be suggesting to Winston that the book was written by Goldstein himself.
6) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"His tongue worked soundlessly, forming the opening syllables first of one word, then of the other, over and over again. Until he had said it, he did not know which word he was going to say. ‘No,’ he said finally."
I found this quite strange, because once Winston had thought of Julia as very special, and an ally, but when O'Brien asks if they would never see each other again, unlike Julia's firm answer, Winston was in between. Was Winston more interested in this secret society than the girl he claimed to love?
Because O'Brien is of higher status than Winston, he is privileged to have a much larger, and more regal living space. O'Brien is allowed to turn off his telescreen and Winston is not allowed to. O'Brien's home is softly lit and comfortable, with carpets that give off a feeling of velvet, and smells like quality food and good tobacco, unfamiliar scents to Winston because he has only smelled cheap food and tobacco.
2) To whom do they raise their wine glasses?
Winston, Julia, and O'Brien all raised their glasses to the Leader of the Brotherhood, Emmanuel Goldstein.
3) State two things Julia and Winston are willing to do for the Party.
Julia and Winston both answer yes to O'Brien when he asked if they would die for the cause, or kill innocent people if it will benefit the Brotherhood, among other drastic situations, almost all of which they confirmed that they would do so as the Brotherhood pleased.
4) What does Julia say she will not do?
Julia states that she will not, under any circumstances, separate
from Winston.
5) Who wrote the book O’brien promises to send Winston?
O'Brien seems to be suggesting to Winston that the book was written by Goldstein himself.
6) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"His tongue worked soundlessly, forming the opening syllables first of one word, then of the other, over and over again. Until he had said it, he did not know which word he was going to say. ‘No,’ he said finally."
I found this quite strange, because once Winston had thought of Julia as very special, and an ally, but when O'Brien asks if they would never see each other again, unlike Julia's firm answer, Winston was in between. Was Winston more interested in this secret society than the girl he claimed to love?
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Part 2: Chapter 7
1) When Winston thinks back to his childhood, how did he behave towards his mother and sister? Provide details.
Winston behaved very disrespectfully towards his mother and sister as a child, thinking of himself as more important than either of them. He whines and complains, and stomps his feet at his mother when all she is doing is trying to provide food for her children. Winston is very ignorant to the fact that his little sister is ill, taking her chocolate and running away without a second thought. His mother allowed him extra food when he was hungry because he was the boy, and when there wasn't much left she gave her portion to the sister. Winston was very ungrateful to have a mother like that, always asking for more and more for himself.
2) What happens to his mother and sister?
When Winston returns home from running off with his sister's chocolate portion, he finds that his mother and sister are missing. It is possible that they were vaporized, or sent to prison camps. Winston also thinks his sister was left to die somewhere. It is unknown to him what ever happened to them.
3) What does Winston mean when he says, “The proles had stayed human”? (p.172)
When Winston says that, "the proles had stayed human," he is referring to the way that the Party never forced their affection and emotion out of them. The proles still care for their families as best as they can, and they care for each other. Though the proles are poor and starving, they felt more than any of the Party members could.
4) Re-read from the last paragraph of page 173 to the end of the chapter on page 174. Use a sticky note to tag this part; it will become important later in the book. What do Julia and Winston believe the Party will never be able to do?
Julia and Winston believe the party will never be able to make someone stop believing something. They say that no matter the torture and questioning they endure the Party will not be able to make them believe any different than they do now.
5) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"It was no use, it changed nothing, it did not produce more chocolate, it did not avert the child's death or her own; but it seemed natural to her to do it." Winston says this reflecting on the way his mother cradled his sister after he ran off with her chocolate. I like this line because of the way it depicts the human instinct to care for something or someone that is in trouble, even if they have nothing else to give.
Winston behaved very disrespectfully towards his mother and sister as a child, thinking of himself as more important than either of them. He whines and complains, and stomps his feet at his mother when all she is doing is trying to provide food for her children. Winston is very ignorant to the fact that his little sister is ill, taking her chocolate and running away without a second thought. His mother allowed him extra food when he was hungry because he was the boy, and when there wasn't much left she gave her portion to the sister. Winston was very ungrateful to have a mother like that, always asking for more and more for himself.
2) What happens to his mother and sister?
When Winston returns home from running off with his sister's chocolate portion, he finds that his mother and sister are missing. It is possible that they were vaporized, or sent to prison camps. Winston also thinks his sister was left to die somewhere. It is unknown to him what ever happened to them.
3) What does Winston mean when he says, “The proles had stayed human”? (p.172)
When Winston says that, "the proles had stayed human," he is referring to the way that the Party never forced their affection and emotion out of them. The proles still care for their families as best as they can, and they care for each other. Though the proles are poor and starving, they felt more than any of the Party members could.
4) Re-read from the last paragraph of page 173 to the end of the chapter on page 174. Use a sticky note to tag this part; it will become important later in the book. What do Julia and Winston believe the Party will never be able to do?
Julia and Winston believe the party will never be able to make someone stop believing something. They say that no matter the torture and questioning they endure the Party will not be able to make them believe any different than they do now.
5) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"It was no use, it changed nothing, it did not produce more chocolate, it did not avert the child's death or her own; but it seemed natural to her to do it." Winston says this reflecting on the way his mother cradled his sister after he ran off with her chocolate. I like this line because of the way it depicts the human instinct to care for something or someone that is in trouble, even if they have nothing else to give.
Part 2: Chapter 6
1) Under what pretense are Winston and O’brien meeting?
O'Brien and Winston casually encounter each other, and O'Brien gives Winston cues that lead him to believe that O'Brien is definitely on his side, and wanting to discuss something with him. O'Brien and Winston talk about the Newspeak dictionary as a way of making the Party think that is all they're talking about, when it's actually an excuse for O'Brien to give Winston his address.
2) What changes have been made to the 10th Edition of Newspeak? What might the Party’s motive be in making this particular change?
O'Brien mentions the few words Winston used that are no longer in the 10th Edition, and he also says that the number of verbs are being cut down. The Party is possibly doing this to make thoughtcrime impossible, but also to keep people from discussions involving any activity that needs the use of a verb to describe it. How is one supposed to plan to run away, when 'running' is no longer a word?
3) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"Any identifiable reference to him would have been mortally dangerous," is Winston's comment to how O'Brien mentioned Syme without actually saying his name or identifying him. This sentence shows how much of a thin line they stand on while trying to meet, with the Party listening to every word.
O'Brien and Winston casually encounter each other, and O'Brien gives Winston cues that lead him to believe that O'Brien is definitely on his side, and wanting to discuss something with him. O'Brien and Winston talk about the Newspeak dictionary as a way of making the Party think that is all they're talking about, when it's actually an excuse for O'Brien to give Winston his address.
2) What changes have been made to the 10th Edition of Newspeak? What might the Party’s motive be in making this particular change?
O'Brien mentions the few words Winston used that are no longer in the 10th Edition, and he also says that the number of verbs are being cut down. The Party is possibly doing this to make thoughtcrime impossible, but also to keep people from discussions involving any activity that needs the use of a verb to describe it. How is one supposed to plan to run away, when 'running' is no longer a word?
3) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"Any identifiable reference to him would have been mortally dangerous," is Winston's comment to how O'Brien mentioned Syme without actually saying his name or identifying him. This sentence shows how much of a thin line they stand on while trying to meet, with the Party listening to every word.
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Part 2: Chapter 5
1) Describe some of the details of Syme’s disappearance?
When Syme disappeared from work, some careless people mentioned him, but soon realized his fate and proceeded to believe he was non-existent. Winston confirmed that he was vaporized by checking the board in the Records Department, which had the chess team members names on it. It was one name shorter, proving he 'had never existed'.
2) List 5 non-violent preparations being made for Hate Week.
-waxwork displays
-military parades/celebrations
-extra Junior Anti-Sex League / volunteer meetings
-lectures
-films
3) List 3 acts of violence likely engineering by the Party for Hate Week.
Acts of violence coming from the Party were the bombings (to frighten everyone), the new Hate Song, and the posters of the grim Eurasian soldier.
4) List 4-5 things Julia believes that surprises Winston? (p160-61)
- Julia is very good at interpreting faces so she trusted O'Brien easily
-Julia believed that aeroplanes were invented by the Party
-She had very limited knowledge of the war, and also believes that it isn't really happening
-Julia didn't know who Goldstein was, or what he stood for
5) Go back to Part II, Number 2. Add 5 more adjectives to your list, based on this chapter.
Adjective Page # Evidence
Indifferent 160 “In some ways she was far more acute than Winston, and far less susceptible to Party propaganda.”
In the Moment 163 “I’m not interested in the next generation, dear. I’m interested in us.”
Comfortable 163 “She was one of those people who can go to sleep at any hour and in any position.”
Nonchalant 163 “…she became bored and confused and said she never paid attention to that kind of thing.”
Content 163 “She knew when to cheer and when to boo, and that was all one needed.”
6) What does Winston mean when he says, “You’re only a rebel from the waist downwards.” (p163)
Winston means by this that Julia is really only interested in indulgent things like sex, and getting good food from the Inner Party, but her upper body (like her head) is not really interested in rebelling.
7) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"The rat had never come back, but the bugs had multiplied hideously in the heat. It did not seem to matter. Dirty or clean, the room was paradise," described how desperate Winston and Julia were for an escape. Even a dingy old room on top of a prole antique shop would be a paradise compared to what they deal with outside the room.
When Syme disappeared from work, some careless people mentioned him, but soon realized his fate and proceeded to believe he was non-existent. Winston confirmed that he was vaporized by checking the board in the Records Department, which had the chess team members names on it. It was one name shorter, proving he 'had never existed'.
2) List 5 non-violent preparations being made for Hate Week.
-waxwork displays
-military parades/celebrations
-extra Junior Anti-Sex League / volunteer meetings
-lectures
-films
3) List 3 acts of violence likely engineering by the Party for Hate Week.
Acts of violence coming from the Party were the bombings (to frighten everyone), the new Hate Song, and the posters of the grim Eurasian soldier.
4) List 4-5 things Julia believes that surprises Winston? (p160-61)
- Julia is very good at interpreting faces so she trusted O'Brien easily
-Julia believed that aeroplanes were invented by the Party
-She had very limited knowledge of the war, and also believes that it isn't really happening
-Julia didn't know who Goldstein was, or what he stood for
5) Go back to Part II, Number 2. Add 5 more adjectives to your list, based on this chapter.
Adjective Page # Evidence
Indifferent 160 “In some ways she was far more acute than Winston, and far less susceptible to Party propaganda.”
In the Moment 163 “I’m not interested in the next generation, dear. I’m interested in us.”
Comfortable 163 “She was one of those people who can go to sleep at any hour and in any position.”
Nonchalant 163 “…she became bored and confused and said she never paid attention to that kind of thing.”
Content 163 “She knew when to cheer and when to boo, and that was all one needed.”
6) What does Winston mean when he says, “You’re only a rebel from the waist downwards.” (p163)
Winston means by this that Julia is really only interested in indulgent things like sex, and getting good food from the Inner Party, but her upper body (like her head) is not really interested in rebelling.
7) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"The rat had never come back, but the bugs had multiplied hideously in the heat. It did not seem to matter. Dirty or clean, the room was paradise," described how desperate Winston and Julia were for an escape. Even a dingy old room on top of a prole antique shop would be a paradise compared to what they deal with outside the room.
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Part 2: Chapter 4
1) Who is Mr. Charrington and where do Julia and Winston now meet?
Mr. Charrington is the owner of the antique shop Winston got the paperweight. Mr. Charrington rents the upstairs room to Winston and Julia for some extra money, and to give them some much needed privacy.
2) What is a “versificator”? (p145)
A versificator is a machine that produces songs and music without any human assistance.
3) Julia shows up with groceries. Where did she get them?
Julia got the groceries from a waiter or servants who sneak some of the Inner Party's food away.
4) What does Julia talk about that horrifies Winston?
Julia sees a rat in the room they are in, and throws her shoe at it, then goes on with talking about rats, which Winston dislikes very much.
5) Describe the paperweight (p152). Why does Winston like it? How is the paperweight like a metaphor for their relationship? (p154)
The paperweight is a piece of coral inside glass that Winston describes as having so much depth, yet has the transparent quality of air. Winston likes it because of its uselessness and beauty. He feels like the glass is the world around him, and the piece of coral is Julia's life and his own frozen in time at the center of this beautiful object.
6) Nursery rhymes are mentioned throughout the novel. Write two verses of a nursery rhyme you sang as a child. Google the song and write a few notes about the origins. What is Orwell pointing out by mentioning nursery rhymes so often? (Hint: Inner and Outer party members are not allowed to sing these songs.)
Hey diddle diddle,
The Cat and the fiddle... This song possibly dates back into the 16th century and has a few suspected references from various plays. It also has many theories about its meaning.
Orwell's mention of nursery rhymes could be because of their catchy tune and how they are remembered from before the Revolution. Party members should not sing them, because it may lead to thinking about life before the Revolution and thoughtcrime.
7) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"He had never before seen or imagined a woman of
the Party with cosmetics on her face," was interesting to me because it seemed so strange, that women of the Party were not allowed to wear makeup and could not look feminine. Maybe this rule was made so women look less desirable to men.
"In this room I’m
going to be a woman, not a Party comrade," is said by Julia and gives the reader an idea of her daringness, and want for a change. She wants to feel like an individual, and wants to be a strong woman, not just another slave to the government.
Mr. Charrington is the owner of the antique shop Winston got the paperweight. Mr. Charrington rents the upstairs room to Winston and Julia for some extra money, and to give them some much needed privacy.
2) What is a “versificator”? (p145)
A versificator is a machine that produces songs and music without any human assistance.
3) Julia shows up with groceries. Where did she get them?
Julia got the groceries from a waiter or servants who sneak some of the Inner Party's food away.
4) What does Julia talk about that horrifies Winston?
Julia sees a rat in the room they are in, and throws her shoe at it, then goes on with talking about rats, which Winston dislikes very much.
5) Describe the paperweight (p152). Why does Winston like it? How is the paperweight like a metaphor for their relationship? (p154)
The paperweight is a piece of coral inside glass that Winston describes as having so much depth, yet has the transparent quality of air. Winston likes it because of its uselessness and beauty. He feels like the glass is the world around him, and the piece of coral is Julia's life and his own frozen in time at the center of this beautiful object.
6) Nursery rhymes are mentioned throughout the novel. Write two verses of a nursery rhyme you sang as a child. Google the song and write a few notes about the origins. What is Orwell pointing out by mentioning nursery rhymes so often? (Hint: Inner and Outer party members are not allowed to sing these songs.)
Hey diddle diddle,
The Cat and the fiddle... This song possibly dates back into the 16th century and has a few suspected references from various plays. It also has many theories about its meaning.
Orwell's mention of nursery rhymes could be because of their catchy tune and how they are remembered from before the Revolution. Party members should not sing them, because it may lead to thinking about life before the Revolution and thoughtcrime.
7) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"He had never before seen or imagined a woman of
the Party with cosmetics on her face," was interesting to me because it seemed so strange, that women of the Party were not allowed to wear makeup and could not look feminine. Maybe this rule was made so women look less desirable to men.
"In this room I’m
going to be a woman, not a Party comrade," is said by Julia and gives the reader an idea of her daringness, and want for a change. She wants to feel like an individual, and wants to be a strong woman, not just another slave to the government.
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Part 2: Chapter 3
1) Julia and Winston have very little time to meet. What keeps Julia so busy and why does she do it?
Julia keeps busy by doing volunteer work for the Junior Anti-Sex League so that it gives her the appearance of being a perfect citizen, so that she is less suspected to do anything bad.
2) Choose 5 powerful descriptive adjectives (use a thesaurus) that describe Julia. Provide evidence to support your choice and a page # for each choice. Please submit using the following format:
Adjective Page# Evidence
Positive pg.142 “Don’t you enjoy being alive? Don’t you like feeling: This is me, this is real, and I’m alive!”
Rooted pg. 133 “She is alert and businesslike, she told Winston details of the journey to home.”
Daring pg. 134 “She kissed Winston almost violently and right after disappeared.”
Ininterested pg. 138 “She made no general criticism of things what she is not interested in.”
Straightforward pg.136 “Always in the stink of women, How I hate women! She always says parenthetically.”
3) Describe Pornosec?
Pornsec is the sub-section in the Fiction Department that makes pornography for the proles.
4) When did Julia have her first love affair?
Julia had her first love affair at sixteen years old.
5) What does Julia think of the Brotherhood?
Julia was born after the time they were around, so she doesn't believe they exist.
6) What is ‘goodthinkful”?
To be 'goodthinkful' is to be orthdox, not able to think a bad thought.
7) What does Julia mean when she says “All this marching up and down and cheering and waving flags is simply sex gone sour.” (p.139)
Julia thinks this because when one has intercourse it is using up energy, and afterwards very lazy and relaxed. The Party is making it's people use up their energy on marching and cheering for them, rather than enjoyable things, like sex or any other physical activity.
8) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"Oh, rubbish! Which would you sooner sleep with, me or
a skeleton? Don’t you enjoy being alive?" I like this line because it shows off Julia's spunk and attitude towards life that is quite different from Winston's, even though they both hate the Party.
"The family had
become in effect an extension of the Thought Police," was so interesting to read, because it was so eery, and makes the reader understand the paranoia that families with children in 1984 had to live with everyday.
Julia keeps busy by doing volunteer work for the Junior Anti-Sex League so that it gives her the appearance of being a perfect citizen, so that she is less suspected to do anything bad.
2) Choose 5 powerful descriptive adjectives (use a thesaurus) that describe Julia. Provide evidence to support your choice and a page # for each choice. Please submit using the following format:
Adjective Page# Evidence
Positive pg.142 “Don’t you enjoy being alive? Don’t you like feeling: This is me, this is real, and I’m alive!”
Rooted pg. 133 “She is alert and businesslike, she told Winston details of the journey to home.”
Daring pg. 134 “She kissed Winston almost violently and right after disappeared.”
Ininterested pg. 138 “She made no general criticism of things what she is not interested in.”
Straightforward pg.136 “Always in the stink of women, How I hate women! She always says parenthetically.”
Pornsec is the sub-section in the Fiction Department that makes pornography for the proles.
4) When did Julia have her first love affair?
Julia had her first love affair at sixteen years old.
5) What does Julia think of the Brotherhood?
Julia was born after the time they were around, so she doesn't believe they exist.
6) What is ‘goodthinkful”?
To be 'goodthinkful' is to be orthdox, not able to think a bad thought.
7) What does Julia mean when she says “All this marching up and down and cheering and waving flags is simply sex gone sour.” (p.139)
Julia thinks this because when one has intercourse it is using up energy, and afterwards very lazy and relaxed. The Party is making it's people use up their energy on marching and cheering for them, rather than enjoyable things, like sex or any other physical activity.
8) Choose one or two lines that attracted your attention. Discuss why.
"Oh, rubbish! Which would you sooner sleep with, me or
a skeleton? Don’t you enjoy being alive?" I like this line because it shows off Julia's spunk and attitude towards life that is quite different from Winston's, even though they both hate the Party.
"The family had
become in effect an extension of the Thought Police," was so interesting to read, because it was so eery, and makes the reader understand the paranoia that families with children in 1984 had to live with everyday.
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