War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength, and
Big Brother is Watching You. Winston Smith lives in a community in which these
statements are brought forth as true. The story 1984 was writing in 1948 as
what George Orwell believed would be the circumstance of the future and how the
government would have become so corrupt by the year 1984 and what society would
be like. In the society, cameras are constantly on people and rules are
controlling what they do. The people aren’t allowed to read or many things. The
government controls all information in the society as well as the thoughts of
others. Winston Smith joins a covert brotherhood and pursues a forbidden love
affair. He starts to become hunted by the state and even more importantly, by
Big Brother. We go through his struggle and trials and watch as he is
reeducated in the ways of the society.
This is a strong tale of conformity and what happens when
the destruction of truths and freedoms come into society and make us who we
are.
I thought this was a fantastic book, I think it would be for
the end of 8th grade or a high school book. Great choice though.
I find this book fascinating. It's interesting to look at 1984 as a future, when in fact for us it's the past. "Freedom is Slavery" is a very powerful sentence. With an 8th grade class you could talk about how this sentence foreshadows what's going to happen in the book. I want to read this now and relate it to how many see our countries future.
ReplyDeleteGood pick!
You could easily relate this book to the Patriot Act and other laws passed that compromise our privacy. It's a great way for students to fashion their own ideas on how our government should protect us and also how much they should be involved with our lives.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s interesting that in 1948 they believed 1984 would be that way. I feel book like this one will make for an intense read and create controversial conversation for all students who have their own view of what the future will be. I think a book like this would be great to have a class discussion with but then would also make for a great writing prompt like, “What do think the future will be like? Why do you think it will be that way?” or something along those lines. I think a book like this will get students thinking. Great pick!
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