1984

Breaking bookish news this week was that Amazon has sold out on 1984. A good reason as ever to read (or re-read) George Orwell’s famous novel. The main character is Winston Smith. For starters, the video by Shaun from Australia will give you a good idea what the story is all about.

Read the following words and phrases and their definitions.

• mundane - dull and ordinary
• impure thoughts - intimate thoughts that are considered wrong; not allowed by, in this case, Big Brother
• crippling - very unplesasant, making it impossible to move freely
• evaporate - go away suddenly, disappear, vanish
• eventually - at some later time
• rodent - a small animal (such as a mouse, rat, squirrel, or beaver) that has sharp front teeth
• bleak - not hopeful or encouraging

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. What is Winston’s job?


2. Who or what is Big Brother?


3. What effect does Julia’s note have on Winston?


4. What is special about Room 101?


5. What does Shaun take away from this book?

Extra discussion questions

Work in groups of 4 or 5 or have a class discussion.
Pick a question and start discussing.

1. Think about Winston’s job. Do you think it’s okay what he does? Explain your point of view.
2. Find out why 1984 suddenly is so popular. Now that you know more about the story: Do you see it as a topical (actueel) novel as well? Explain your point of view.

Extra reading assignment
Read 1984 yourself and form your own opinion.