Standard British Literature Summer Reading Assignment 1984 by

Helpful notes about the novel: • Modern work published in 1949 that reflects the disillusionment of the mid-20th century after two world wars, the 20’s, and the Great Depression. • Dystopian novel that satirizes totalitarian governments that control with fear and restrict personal freedom. The oppressive government symbolized by “Big Brother” is always watching and ready to punish anyone who tries to rebel. • As you read, think about what Orwell may have been warning against in his futuristic novel and how that warning still applies today. You may want to specifically consider: ▪ Dehumanization ▪ Loss of individualism ▪ Oppressive government control ▪ Power of media/manipulated and/or fake news ▪ Technology ▪ Truth/lies ▪ Justice/injustice ▪ Peace/war ▪ Rebellion

ASSIGNMENT:

1. After reading the novel, choose FOUR ideas from the novel (list below) and find FOUR corresponding non- fiction articles.

Ministry of Love Slogans of the Party Ministry of Truth Goldstein Ministry of Peace Ministry of Plenty Proles The Spies (children) Big Brother Hate Week/Hate Song/Five Minutes of Hate Double Think Party Room 101

*** Feel free to read opinion pieces and editorials since they employ rhetoric for the sake of argument and persuasion just as we will do throughout the year.

***Articles should be copied or clipped from the newspapers or magazines in which they are published or printed if using an online source so that you can bring them to class.

2. You will respond to each of the articles using the SOAPStone format:

Subject – What is the article about? What does the author hope to communicate? Occasion – What is context contributes helps you understand the article? What is happening / has happened that inspired the article in the first place? Audience – Who is the article intended for? Who is the target of the message? Purpose – What is the article’s purpose? To persuade? To inform? To entertain? To rebut? To challenge? To expand? To explore? To question? Etc. Speaker – What do you know about the author (speaker)? Do his or her qualifications complicate the message or purpose? tone – What is the author’s attitude towards the subject and/or audience? How is the attitude (tone) revealed?

***Feel free to use a bullet format for the six elements of SOAPStone. 3. Following these six points (SOAPStone), you will provide a one paragraph personal response for each article: • How effective was the article? • What did you like or dislike about the article and the position it presents? • What has the author done particularly well? • How might the author have strengthened his or her presentation of information? Etc.

Avoiding PLAGIARISM:

❖ Using the ideas of others is considered theft of intellectual property, and you are lying if you try to pass the ideas or words of others off as your own original thoughts. Therefore, plagiarism is an honor council offense, and we take it very seriously in 11th grade. ❖ Do not consult the internet for summaries, analysis, explanation, quotes, or ideas about 1984. ❖ Use only your brain as you think about the novel. We are interested in your own original thoughts and analysis. ❖ If you don’t understand something or need help finding articles, please feel free to e-mail Mr. Zimmerman ([email protected]) or Mrs. Godard ([email protected]). We are happy to help you. ☺