The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for Chapters 1&2
Review the epigraphs at the beginning of the book. Why did Atwood choose these quotations to open the story? What do they suggest the book will be about?
What is the tone of the opening chapters? How does Atwood establish this tone?
Skim over chapters one and two. What similarities do you see in theme, character and detail between The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Critical Thinking Questions
1984 Pages 147-217
Briefly summarize Winston’s first encounter with O’Brien.
What is “the book?”
How does the Party convince the citizens of Oceania that they are at war with Eastasia, not
Eurasia, and have been for years?
According to Emmanuel Goldstein, what is the real meaning of “War is Peace?”
Explain “doublethink.”
1984 Pages 147-217
Briefly summarize Winston’s first encounter with O’Brien.
What is “the book?”
How does the Party convince the citizens of Oceania that they are at war with Eastasia, not
Eurasia, and have been for years?
According to Emmanuel Goldstein, what is the real meaning of “War is Peace?”
Explain “doublethink.”
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Grade 12 Academic English
1984 Essay Assignment
Choose one of the following topics and write a 1200 word essay. Your essay must follow proper MLA formatting and be structured correctly. You must use textual evidence to support your argument in the form of properly cited quotations. I would like to see a draft of your essay on October 19th, and your final copy is due Friday, October 26th.
Consider the role of technology in the text. What does Orwell suggest is the relationship between advanced technology and absolute power? Why would Orwell include technology as part of the dystopic environment of Oceania?
What is the role of romance and sex in this text? Why does Winston suggest that having sex with Julia is both a personal and a political act?
Trace a pattern of imagery and explain how it develops one of the major themes of the text. Consider images of violence, technology, pain, control, etc.
Explore Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and its importance to the story. How does he indicate to the reader that Winston’s fate is doomed?
1984 Essay Assignment
Choose one of the following topics and write a 1200 word essay. Your essay must follow proper MLA formatting and be structured correctly. You must use textual evidence to support your argument in the form of properly cited quotations. I would like to see a draft of your essay on October 19th, and your final copy is due Friday, October 26th.
Consider the role of technology in the text. What does Orwell suggest is the relationship between advanced technology and absolute power? Why would Orwell include technology as part of the dystopic environment of Oceania?
What is the role of romance and sex in this text? Why does Winston suggest that having sex with Julia is both a personal and a political act?
Trace a pattern of imagery and explain how it develops one of the major themes of the text. Consider images of violence, technology, pain, control, etc.
Explore Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and its importance to the story. How does he indicate to the reader that Winston’s fate is doomed?
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