English 4 AP/IB

1984
In lieu of a single-topic, formal essay for Orwells 1984, you will complete this series of
questions, providing each with an insightful and thorough response. The questions reflect the
analytical features you will need to identify and address on both the IB and AP exams in May.
Your paper should be typed in MLA format. Since each response is essentially a short essay,
supporting evidence (QUOTES!) from the text is required. Be sure to proofread for
grammatical/spelling accuracy and use proper MLA format for quotations and citations.
This paper will be due when we conclude the novelsometime during the last week of January;
final date TBA. All papers will be submitted to TURNITIN.com.
Questions for your analysis; 100 points total in Essay category
1) First, explain in general terms how the setting of the novel establishes the mood, keeping
in mind that mood is not the same as tone. Then, describe the setting of each of the
following, and the mood that each creates: a) Winstons apartment, b) Winstons
workplace, c) the apartment that Winston rents for his trysts with Julia, d) the depths of
the Ministry of Love where Winston is rehabilitated.
2) Describe the imagery employed by Orwell in defining the setting of the above locations.
3) Explain the manner in which the Ingsoc government asserts psychological, emotional,
and physical control over its subjects.
4) Analyze how tone and diction undermine one another in the novel. Why would Orwell
employ this technique?
5) Analyze how syntax contributes to the development of tone in the novel.
6) Explain the forms of paradox that appear in the story, and be sure to include Newspeak,
doublethink, and crimestop with your other examples.
7) Explain the major ideas found in Goldsteins book about oligarchical hierarchism, and
compare/contrast those ideas with those of our own government.
8) Why is the Ministry of Truth so intent on reforming the English language; i.e. removing
synonyms, making words monosyllabic, etc.?
9) Considering how the Ingsoc government uses technology to monitor and influence its
citizens, what, if any, parallels can you draw to our increasing dependence on technology
today? Are todays global citizens vulnerable to the potential of mind control evident
in the novel? Is there an inherent risk in the proliferation of social media sites/programs
available today? Are we sacrificing some personal freedoms (or, worse, our humanness) in the increasing dependence on technology to complete daily, mundane activities?
10)
The novel has been described as a brilliant and timeless socio-political treatise.
What, precisely, is Orwells commentary in this dystopian work? To what extent do you
agree or disagree with the aforementioned quotation?