1984 and Why Its Important
Should 1984 be included in the freshman curriculum at Montville Township High School? The prophetic novel, 1984 by George Orwell, is a piece of literature which is modeled on the formerly communistic Soviet Union. In 1984, there is a society that exists, Oceania, where all human bonds and finer human emotions are illusional. This visional novel should clearly be an addition to the ninth grade curriculum. 1984 pronounces its strong theme, uses magnificent symbolism, and demonstrates the life of a society under a totalitarian government. These traits are what makes a novel a classic. The following paper will explore why 1984 should be included in the curriculum through theme, alienation, and symbolism. There is a major theme and a minor theme in this novel, both which are important messages to understand as well as to realize. The major theme is the horror of a dictatorial and totalitarian government. Philip Rahv stated in his literary criticism of 1984, "Big Brother, the supreme dictator of Oceania." (340) This quote clarifies 1984's totalitarianism and undisputed dictatorship. The entire novel paints a horrifying picture of what a fanatical, state-controlled socie
Winston's wife is so indoctrinated by the Party rules that her body stiffens even at being hugged. This will help the reader be open to other's opinions. Artificial insemination or 'artsem' produces the babies. Sex as a means to reproduce does not exist. The reader learns about the communist Soviet society and their beliefs, learns how to be open to other's opinions, and learns about the disadvantages of totalitarianism. Big Brother, however, does not succeed in destroying Winston's feelings of love for Julia. Girls from a very young age are taught in schools that sex is dirty. The minor theme is that love overcomes the feelings of alienation and loneliness. Even humans are treated like machinery and expected to act like them. As written by George Orwell, "The instrument (the telescreen, it was called) could be dimmed, but there was no way of shutting it off. It is one of the most non-ephemeral novels I have ever read.
Common topics in this essay:
George Orwell,
Philip Rahv,
Soviet Union,
Leon Trotsky,
Julia Winston,
Winston Julia,
Winston Smith,
George Orwell's,
Freshman Curriculum,
reader learns,
Township School,
george orwell,
freshman curriculum,
governments affect society,
past communistic governments,
major theme,
soviet society,
society beliefs,
oceania modeled,
communist soviet,
learns day,
communistic governments governments,
governments governments affect,
other's opinions,
governments past communistic,
|
Acceptance Essays
