logo

94 pages 3 hours read

George Orwell

1984

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1949

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

1984 (also published as Nineteen Eighty-Four: A Novel)

  • Genre: Dystopian; social science/political fiction
  • Originally Published: 1949
  • Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1090; grades 11-12, college
  • Structure/Length: 3 parts, 23 untitled chapters, appendix; approx. 11 hours on audio
  • Protagonist and Central Conflict: Bureaucrat Winston Smith longs to see the fall of the oppressive totalitarian government under whose close watch he lives, but fear and betrayal obstruct his hopes for change.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Sexual and violent content

George Orwell (pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair), Author

  • Bio: 1903-1950; English novelist, critic, essayist; known for themes that warn against imperialism and authoritarian control
  • Other Works: “Shooting an Elephant” (1936); Animal Farm (1945)
  • Awards: Prometheus Hall of Fame Award (in 1984 for 1984 and 2011 for Animal Farm)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

  • Constant Surveillance Is Oppressive
  • Totalitarian Power Diminishes Individuality
  • Propaganda Manipulates Emotion and Discourages Individuality



STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

  • Develop an understanding of the characteristics of dystopian literature; analyze the ways in which 1984’s setting and circumstances exemplify a dystopia.
  • Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen understanding of themes related to Totalitarian Power, Individuality, and Propaganda.
  • Prepare and present a slideshow comparing the impacts of Totalitarianism on fictional and real individuals.
  • Analyze textual elements such as detail, character development, and atmosphere and construct essay responses connecting these elements to the novel’s themes.
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 94 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools