Assignment Task: George Orwell's 1984
Starting with Sapiens this course has stressed the role of language and speech in the formation of human relationships and community. Throughout history language and the concepts it bears have been the unifiers of peoples.
However, in 1984, the special language of Oceania, Newspeak, is used to divide and control the people. This language not only controls what people can say, but also what and how they are able think about the world, themselves, and their relationships with others.
Essay Question # (make sure to see the Appendix on Newspeak)
How does Newspeak allow for the control and enslavement of the citizens of Oceania?
Make sure to explain:
1. What is Newspeak? (see both Book I & the Appendix)
2. How is it different from Old Speak?
3. How is Newspeak a form of thought control?
4. How is it used, as a form of speech, to control the people and their relationships?
5. How does it divide and conquer the citizen of Oceania?
6. Provide examples of the consequences of Newspeak on the psychology of the inhabitants of this world generally, including its impact on their relationship with themselves and each another.