Orwell’s 1984

Structure
 AO3
Show detailed understanding of the ways in
which writers' choices of form, structure
and language shape meanings

A Grade:
AO3 exploration and analysis of key aspects
of form, structure and language with
perceptive evaluation of how they shape
meanings
Coursework question foci

1. Love and sex

2. Control of individual by the state
3. Utopias and dystopias
4. Individual response to totalitarian
regimes
 1984
Task- Groups

 Create a timeline of the key events

of Orwell’s 1984

 Split the timeline into three to

indicate the three sections of the
text
 Categorising
Task
 Try to come up with a ‘creative’ title for each
section of the text

 Now try to come up with a ‘functional’ title for

each section of the text
(although not 1, 2 ,3..)

 What are your reasons behind each choices?

 Why is the novel structured in each way?
Three main movements:
 description of main character against the
setting. Emphasis on setting : a regimented
world.
Lasts from the 4th to the 6th of April = 2
days.
 transformation of Winston's life through
temporary happiness (Julia).
Lasts from April to August = 5 months.
 imprisonment, torture and final
abandonment of intellectual integrity =
ugliness.
Lasts from August to May = 9 months.
 Plot
Taken from : http://www.answers.com/topic/1984-novel-4
Part one sets up Winston's world, which readers see through his eyes and his
thoughts. They understand his loneliness and why this leads him to take risks that will
lead to his downfall.

Part Two, the lengthiest part of the narrative, Winston becomes connected with
people he believes are rebels like himself. He has an affair with Julia and follows
O'Brien to an underground meeting of dissidents. Also in part two, Orwell includes
lengthy sections from the fictional Emmanuel Goldstein's political tract. It is interesting
to note that his publishers originally wanted Orwell to delete this material, because it
stops the action of the narrative.

Part Three, Winston and Julia have been caug

ht by the Inner Party and separated. Winston undergoes severe torture and
brainwashing at the hands of O'Brien. His dialogue and interaction with O'Brien has
much dramatic tension because underlying their battle is mutual respect. Unfortu-
nately for Winston, this respect does not translate into O'Brien freeing him. O'Brien
successfully brainwashes Winston into loving Big Brother.
 Question Focuses

 Love and sex

 Control of individual by the state
 Utopias and dystopias
 Individual response to totalitarian regimes

1. Each pair takes one question focus.

For help, look at the full question and guidance on the

coursework question sheet.

2. Make a new timeline that charts ONLY DETAILS/EVENTS that

link to your question focus

3. Prepare to present and explain

 Final Task

How does the structure of

the novel enhance the
meanings arising from the
issues/characters/themes
that link to your chosen
question?