1. 1984 by George Orwell
Introduction

2. By the end of this session we will:
Know some background details about the novel and the author.
Understand the purpose of our study.
Be ready to begin reading chapter 1. ©

3. The Author George Orwell, 1903-1950
Politically motivated writer (socialist)
As well as novels, wrote numerous articles and non-fiction pieces.
Wrote 1984 in 1948. ©

4. Context of 1984 Written in ’48, 3 years after the end of WW2.
World still in state of uncertainty after the traumas of war.
Huge divide emerging between Communist USSR and capitalist West. Beginning of the ‘Cold War’. ©

5. Setting
The novel is set in a future British society, years after a nuclear war has occurred.
Society is split into two groups- Party members and Proles.
Every aspect of a Party member’s life is controlled by the Party- individual freedom does not exist.
Party members are constantly watched for signs of disagreement with the party. ©

6. Characters
Winston Smith: the protagonist in the story, a party member who resents the control the party exerts.
Big Brother: the semi-mythical leader of the Party. Images of his face are omnipresent in society. ©

7. Chapter 1 Focus: what impression are we given of life in 1984?
How is this impression created? What language is used?
Can you find any parallels with the society that Orwell describes and our own society? ©