Orwell’s 1984

Structure

AO3 Show detailed understanding of the ways in

which writers' choices of form, structure and language shape meanings

A Grade:AO3 exploration and analysis of key aspects

of form, structure and language with perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings

Coursework question foci

1. Love and sex

2. Control of individual by the state

3. Utopias and dystopias

4. Individual response to totalitarian regimes

1984Task- Groups

Create a timeline of the key events of Orwell’s 1984

Split the timeline into three to indicate the three sections of the text

CategorisingTask

Try to come up with a ‘creative’ title for each section of the text

Now try to come up with a ‘functional’ title for each section of the text (although not 1, 2 ,3..)

What are your reasons behind each choices? Why is the novel structured in each way?

Three main movements:

description of main character against the setting. Emphasis on setting : a regimented world.

Lasts from the 4th to the 6th of April = 2 days.

transformation of Winston's life through temporary happiness (Julia).

Lasts from April to August = 5 months. imprisonment, torture and final

abandonment of intellectual integrity = ugliness.

Lasts from August to May = 9 months.

Plot Taken from: http://www.answers.com/topic/1984-novel-4

Part one sets up Winston's world, which readers see through his eyes and his thoughts. They understand his loneliness and why this leads him to take risks that will

lead to his downfall.

Part Two, the lengthiest part of the narrative, Winston becomes connected with people he believes are rebels like himself. He has an affair with Julia and follows O'Brien to an underground meeting of dissidents. Also in part two, Orwell includes

lengthy sections from the fictional Emmanuel Goldstein's political tract. It is interesting to note that his publishers originally wanted Orwell to delete this material, because it

stops the action of the narrative.

Part Three, Winston and Julia have been caught by the Inner Party and separated. Winston undergoes severe torture and

brainwashing at the hands of O'Brien. His dialogue and interaction with O'Brien has much dramatic tension because underlying their battle is mutual respect. Unfortu-nately for Winston, this respect does not translate into O'Brien freeing him. O'Brien

successfully brainwashes Winston into loving Big Brother.

Question Focuses

Love and sex Control of individual by the state

Utopias and dystopias Individual response to totalitarian regimes

1. Each pair takes one question focus.

For help, look at the full question and guidance on the coursework question sheet.

2. Make a new timeline that charts ONLY DETAILS/EVENTS that

link to your question focus

3. Prepare to present and explain

Final Task

How does the structure of the novel enhance the

meanings arising from the issues/characters/themes

that link to your chosen question?