Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1.
1984 is
full of images and ideas that do not directly affect the plot, but
nevertheless attain thematic importance. What are some of these
symbols and motifs, and how does Orwell use them?
2. Discuss the
idea of doublethink. How important is doublethink to the Party’s
control of Oceania? How important is it to Winston’s brainwashing?
3. Describe Julia’s
character as it relates to Winston. How is she different from him?
How is she similar to him? How does Julia’s age make her attitude
toward the Party very different from Winston’s?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Describe Winston’s character
as it relates to his attitude toward the Party. In what ways might
his fatalistic streak contribute to his ultimate downfall?
2. How does technology affect
the Party’s ability to control its citizens? In what ways does the
Party employ technology throughout the book?
3. Discuss the idea of Room 101, the
place where everyone meets his or her worst fear. Keeping in mind
that for most of Winston’s time at the Ministry of Love, he does
not know what he will find in Room 101, what
role does that uncertainty play in making Room 101 frightening?
Does the cage of rats break Winston’s spirit, or does it merely
play a symbolic role?
4. What role does Big Brother
play within the novel? What effect does he have on Winston? Is Winston’s
obsession with Big Brother fundamentally similar to or different
from his obsession with O’Brien?
