The document summarizes key themes from the novel 1984 by George Orwell, including totalitarianism, psychological manipulation, and technology. It discusses how the totalitarian government controls all aspects of life, uses propaganda and surveillance to psychologically manipulate citizens, and relies on technology like telescreens and cameras to monitor behavior. Citizens live in constant fear of being watched.
2. CA Content
Standards
Writing Standards 6-12
-Write arguments to support claims in an
analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine
and convey complex ideas and information
clearly and accurately through the effective
selection, organization, and analysis of content
Understanding the themes in this lecture will
aid you in your final paper.
3. Pause and ponder
What do you think would happen if
we had a totalitarian government?
How would the world be different?
5. Totalitarianism
Centralized control by an
autocratic authority
The political concept that the
citizen should be totally subject
to an absolute state authority
THEME 1
6. The party
• Totalitarianism has one main
person in charge as the party
leader
• The party needs members as
its thought police
• A party has its opponents
• In 1984, there are those who
betray the party
7. Totalitarianism cont.
• In the novel Orwell shows a modern-day government with absolute power
• The government controls every aspect of the human life such as...
• Their thoughts
• Children
• What to eat
• What to feel
Here is a quote that shows totalitarianism
“ War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
Now you try.
Find a quote that shows totalitarianism is present in 1984.
8. Psychological
Manipulation
• Influence that aims to change the perception
or behavior of others. This change can occur
indirectly and is often to advance the interests
of the manipulator.
THEME 2
9. Psychological
Manipulation
• There is no independent thought
• Propaganda “Big Brother is Watching
You”
• Telescreens monitor behavior
• The organization of Junior Spies is a
form of brainwashing
• The suppression of sexual desires
Are there more ways the citizens are psychologically
manipulated?
10. Example of Psychological Manipulation
“It seems to him that he knew exactly what it felt like to
sit in a room like this, in an armchair beside an open fire
with your feet in the fender and a kettle on the hob:
utterly secure with nobody watching you, no voice
pursuing you, no sound except the singing of kettle and
the friendly ticking of the clock” pg. 100
11. Now you try
Take a look at the quote on
the previous slide. What
techniques are used to
manipulate him? Describe
how you are aware that he is
being psychologically
manipulated. What helps
you see this?
12. Psychological Manipulation cont.
CAMERAS AND
PRIVACY
Cameras and privacy
• There are cameras on every corner for
surveillance
• The citizens live in fear because they
don’t know which cameras are actually
on and which aren’t
• This causes the citizens to adjust to
always being watched
14. Technology cont.
The party monitors its citizen almost 24/7 with the help of
technology
A telescreen is a device like a TV, with the sole purpose to
deliver propaganda and keep surveillance
1984 was written before the era of computers, what does
this show you?
15. Now you try
Now that you are familiar with three of the themes in the
novel, imagine that you were a character in the novel.
Which theme would have the greatest impact on you?
Using the chart to help you on slide 6, which character
would you choose to be friends with? What is one theme
that it is present that was not discussed?
