1. What does the opening sentence suggest about the book?
The opening sentence of 1984 helps the reader to transition into the book. It helps to illustrate the world of 1984. Currently, military time is not as common as AM or PM, but it seems common in the world of 1984. Furthermore, the use of military time in the opening sentence of the book could foreshadow the military dictatorship that Winston lives in.
2. The name Winston means from a friendly country. Smith is a common last name. From these names, can you suggest a possible irony? Also, consider the association of Winston Smith with Winston Churchill. What similarities do you see between the two? What else do we know about Winston concerning his age, abilities, and occupation?
The etymology behind Winston's first name is ironic. Winston means from a friendly country yet Winston's country of origin is Oceania, a country that holds its citizen responsible for their thoughts. On the other hand, Winston's last name is Smith, a common last name. Winston's last name symbolizes that Winston is an average citizen. His abilities are just like all the other citizens. Winston Churchill was the conformist leader of the UK during WWII. Both Smith and Churchill were not troublemakers rather they only broke rules that were absurd or ridiculous. Furthermore both Smith and Churchill were around the age of 40 when they began to have their political awakening.
3. What are the Party mottos? What is unusual about them?
The party mottos are War is peace, Freedom is slavery, and Ignorance is strength. The three-party mottos are the clearest forms of irony in the book. What makes them unusual is that they are opposite of each other but are still set equal to one another. For example, peace and war are opposites yet the party logo is war is peace. Furthermore, the majority of citizens do not notice this which shows the extent of the party's control. The citizens believe anything the party says.
4. What is Newspeak? What is its purpose? Why is it essential for the Party to...
