1984 Part 2 Questions

1984, Part 2 Questions, pp. 115-246.

Responses must be handwritten

Analysis of Part 2, pp. 115-246. Must include textual support for all answers. I.e., quotes from the book. You must write a 3 sentence response to each question and have one quote for support (include page numbers for quotes/passages). For question #10, discuss and make notes together and then write a one page response on your own. Must be specific and detailed in your response. People have been studying this book for over 75 years! 

-3sentences minimum and 1 supporting quote for the questions, and one critical thinking question to ask the class when you present. 

1. Were you surprised by the turn of events at the end of Part Two? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think the Thought Police decide to make their move at this time?

3. Winston describes his relationship with Julia as "a blow struck against the Party." Explain why their relationship is such a political threat.

4. How does Winston change in this part of the novel? What do you think are some of the causes of this change?

5. Literary Concept: Symbol Why do you think Winston is so fascinated by the prole woman doing the laundry? What does she represent to him?

6. What did you learn from Goldstein's book that you hadn't known?

7. Review the description of the Brotherhood and the questions that O'Brien asks Winston and Julia in Chapter VIII. Then, using what you know of political systems in general and the Party in 1984 in particular, write an evaluation of this underground organization.

8. Why is the past so important to Winston? Think about his personal experiences as well as Ingsoc's central tenet, "the mutability of the past."

9. In Part Two: Winston discovers the value of being human. How are the human characteristics that Winston identifies similar to and different from the characteristics that you would name?

10. Literary Concepts: Setting and Symbol. Sometimes the setting of a novel can have symbolic meaning beyond itself and enhance the significance of events. Winston and Julia first meet in a secluded natural setting complete with sheltering trees, warm sunshine, fragrant flowers, and a singing bird. What symbolic meaning do you find in this natural setting?

For #10, Consider: makes notes together, and then each group member write their own one page response.

-how this natural setting contrasts with the city

-what effect it has on Winston

-feelings and concepts you associate with a peaceful natural scene

-stories and images from the Bible that are associated with such natural scenes