Thursday, September 13, 2012

30. 1984 by George Orwell



1.  Describe the role that O'Brien plays in Winston's life. Why do you think that initially, Winston is drawn to O'Brien? Why does he implicitly trust him, despite the enormous dangers involved?  Winston is drawn to O'Brien because O'brien represents an escape for him.  Here is someone who feels the same way I do.  Winston is projecting his feeling onto O'Brien in an attempt to gain a companion against big brother.  

2.  The Party wages continual war on sexual desires. Why? According to official dogma, why are normal sexual urges opposed to the Party’s goals, and to what use can sex be put to accomplish the Party’s purpose?   The Party suppresses sexual desires in order to be the only source of allegiance its members have.  It wants all energy directed toward Party activities.

3. The name Winston very likely comes from Winston Churchill. Why would Orwell have given his main character such a name?  A warning to the people of London and other democracy to watch their leaders and beware of how governments try to control their citizens.

1984 was a long read but some parts were very interesting.  The warnings against oppressive governments rings true over 60 years later since the books first publication.    

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