1984 PART ONE pp. 5-87

You should be already reading 1984 and should have part one (through page 87) read by the middle of next week. Obviously, this is just a guide and you could push it off until July, but I don't recommend it. If you follow the reading guide post for you, you will be in great shape by the time we return in August. Small pieces is the best way to handle this material.

You will have A 100 QUESTION MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST OVER 1984 on the SECOND DAY OF CLASS. On this blog, I will post study questions that should help you prepare for this test. If you have questions or find yourself completely confused, PLEASE post a question. Don't worry about feeling silly for asking. I guarantee that if you are confused about something, you're not the only one.

THE TEST WILL INCLUDE QUESTIONS OVER THEMES AND IDEAS AND ALSO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT PLOT DETAILS TO CHECK FOR CAREFUL READING. Yet another reason to take detailed notes as you read.

Now, on to the study questions. I recommend WRITING OUT ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS YOU READ, as well as TAKING SEVERAL PAGES OF NOTES over the plot. Also, WRITE OUT ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE OVER THE NOVEL as you read.

PART ONE QUESTIONS
1. What is the significance of the "Party" posters described at the beginning of the novel?
2. Explain the Two-Minutes Hate.
3. What is the irony in taking children to the park in the novel?
4. Describe the children in the novel. What are their attitudes towards adults? Describe their behavior.
5. Describe the dream Winston has about his family? Why do you think this might be significant?
6. Describe Winston's job. How does he feel about it?
7. What items are rationed and what items are made plentiful? Why are these items significant to the plot and theme of the novel?
8. Describe the Proles? Who are they? Why are they important? What are their values?
9. What is the Party's view of marriage? Describe Winston's marriage and his feelings for his wife.
10. What was the one possession Winston had held that was "concrete, unmistakable evidence of an act of falsification " by the party?
11. Explain the Party's view of capitalism.
12. Make a list of some of the terms used in the novel that are unique to this community controlled by Big Brother.
13. Make a list of things from the novel that have confused you or interested you so far.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO POST AN ANSWER TO OR QUESTION ABOUT AT LEAST ONE OF THESE ITEMS. DISCUSSING IT AS WE READ IS THE BEST WAY TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NOVEL AND PREPARE FOR THE TEST AND ASSIGNMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY THIS WORK.

HAPPY READING! I LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING PART ONE.