Young Writers Society

I have to write seven entries , three hundred words long , on anything about 1984 . Characters , motifs , symbols . I'd rather have a ten page research paper with a purpose .

Anywaaays , helping me out would be very nice
I wrote three already ( though the third is not done ) , and aaaaany assistance ( Critiquing is one , or more ideas for other entries . Or other entries ;D ) .


x-x-x

I am rewriting my paper, so ignore what you read before.
Right now , I have nothing to show you , but I have questions that I would love for you to answer !
Alright .


I have the other two . What does " Freedom is Slavery " mean ?

My biggest problem with these is that they're just telling, really.
Don't get me wrong-- they are written fine -- but this 1984 we're talking about! There's so much symbolism in this book. Don't just give us a little summary of Oceania's government!

Here are some themes or more interesting things to write about:

--Language as Mind Control (think of Newspeak)
--Psychological manipulation
--Control of Information and History

Some symbols:

--Big Brother (mention how her represents Stalin and psychological oppression)
--Glass Paperweight
--St. Clemens church


PM me for anything -- this is my favorite book!

Some ideas for more entries could be:
-Was the ending sucessful, and why?
-Should Winston be considered a hero?
-Talk about Winston's inner struggle
-Talk about Winston's family, and Julia
-Why Big Brother is so sucessful (can't die because it's not a specific person, doublethink, turning kids against their family at such a young age)
-Talk about the proles and how they are the only hope

There's a lot you can do with this book. I loved when we did it in school. PM me if you need help.

Heya! I think 1984 is the most awesome book I have ever read.

lives under a strange and tyrannical government

1) 1984 foretells what Orwell believed Britain would turn into after the Second World War; he did not believe that democracy would survive.

2) It is not strange to the people and is not strange to us, really; it's a totalitarian regime except they do actually have control over people's minds through forced patriotism.

There is actually so much you can talk about in this book. The entire section of the book (supposedly) written by Goldstein is probably the most important. The ending is also essential as we gather Smith has to give in, and there is no hero. The fact of the matter is the government is right in his world, and there's nothing he can do about it.

So. Yeah. Just thought I'd offer a little pointers. =D

Thank you guys !

I've rewritten my whole thing because I couldn't stand it , see above edit on original post .

<3 help appreciated .

For "Freedom is slavery," I think it's important to note it in context. Remember that the quote is:

WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

Also, remember that in this world, newsspeak is becoming the ideal. They are trying to cut words out. So, by making war = peace, freedom = slavery, and ignorance = strength, it's basically making those words, which are powerful words, into nothing. Which is what newsspeak is all about -- turning something with meaning and bastardizing it so that there is no meaning left to the point that there is nothing more to say.

An interesting side-reading, which may make this more clear, is George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" which is located here: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.htm

In this short essay, he explains how meaning is sucked out of words. I think you will find it very helpful.