1984

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

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War is Peace. Or more dull than War and Peace? What do you think about Orwell's novel? Join in the discussion on the forums.

Interested in taking your interest further but don't know where to start? You can tailor a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the Open University to your interests. Start off by taking 'An Introduction to the Humanities' then go on to study 'Approaching Literature', a course which covers some of the books we're reading in the Open2 Book Club this year.

Stephanie Forward of the Open University introduces George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four

Nineteen Eighty-Four is George Orwell's dark vision of the future, published in 1949. In it Orwell expresses his fears of the increasing nature of state control and surveillance. Its influence on today's society is obvious - not only do we have CCTV cameras, monitoring and information tracking, we also entertain ourselves with TV programmes such as 'Room 101' and 'Big Brother'. Open University academic Stephanie Forward has compiled this list of thought provoking questions to consider as we read.

1. What are the main themes of ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’?
2. Which symbols does Orwell use in the novel?
3. How does the Party control the people?
4. Dreams feature in the novel. Do Winston’s dreams, and his reflections upon them, inform you about his character?
5. Betrayal is an idea in the book. Does Winston betray Julia? Does she betray him?
6. Do some aspects of Winston’s own character contribute to his downfall?
7. How effective is the threat of a Room 101? What would be in YOUR Room 101?
8. Do you feel that the Party will ever be overthrown ultimately?
9. According to the ‘Big Read Book of Books’, ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ was the top choice of people aged 17-31? Does this surprise you?
10. Does this novel still have relevance to us today?

Why don't you join us on the forum and give us your opinion on this book?

Content last updated: 04/02/2004