Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell

Written in 1948, Nineteen Eighty-Four is Orwell’s vision of a frightening future which he felt might be only 50 years away. It tells the story of Winston Smith, an employee at the Ministry of Truth in London, capital city of Airstrip One in the state of Oceania. It is a claustrophobic world with no escape. Big Brother’s poster is on every corner and the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. Winston finds love with Julia and begins a journey of discovery. He realises that life can be exciting and full of possibilities. Together Winston and Julia begin to question the Party and the regime. Why is Oceania constantly at war? Can they remember a time when they weren’t fighting with ether Eurasia or Eastasia? But Big Brother does not tolerate original thought. Winston and Julia have started out on a dangerous path which could lead to the terrifying Room

Draw two columns, one entitled ‘Winston’s World’ and one entitled ‘Our World’. Read through the text and pick out any aspects of Winston’s world which you find unusual, disturbing or frightening. Go back down your list and try to think of examples which actually exist in our world today.

Winston’s WorldOur World Huge buildings which dwarf all others Ministries which do the opposite of their name – Ministry of Peace Ministry of Love Telescreens Loss of written word and writing ability Loss of time and identity London Eye; The Gherkin Ministry of Defence – spend more time attacking? Constant threat of terrorism Televisions and computers in every room ICT dominated – s rather than letters Being outside of our system means no rights – passport, national insurance number