Symbols and Themes in 1984
You can find this storyboard in the following articles and resources:
1984 by George Orwell
Lesson Plans by Kristy Littlehale
Published in 1949, shortly after the end of World War II and during the rise of Communist powers such as Russia and Korea, Orwell’s novel warns readers of important issues that become the novel’s key themes, including government overreach, propaganda, and the importance of free thought and speech.
Storyboard Description
Literary Elements in 1984 | Have students identify symbols in 1984 with storyboards.
Storyboard Text
- EXAMPLE
- MINISTRIES OF TRUTH, LOVE, PEACE & PLENTY
- The Ministry of Truth
- BIG BROTHER
- Big Brother is Watching YOU
- GOLDSTEIN'S BOOK
- The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivismby Emmanuel Goldstein
- ROOM 101
- ROOM 101
- All are paradoxes: the Ministry of Truth alters the truth; the Ministry of Love tortures people; the Ministry of Peace plans wars; the Ministry of Plenty lies because rations are always scarce. The buildings help suppress free thought or speech.
- Big Brother represents the power of the Party and the pinnacle of the propaganda machine. It is unclear whether he exists; he doesn't age and readers know what occurs at the Ministry of Truth. He is plastered all over Oceania, a constant reminder that “Big Brother is Watching You”.
- Goldstein’s book represents hope, a way to revolutionize and overthrow the government. Winston believes the book is the key to solving their predicament.
- Room 101 holds everyone’s deepest fear and is where people's spirits are broken. It is there that Winston gives up his private loyalties, and dedicates himself fully to Big Brother. Room 101 represents the complete loss of free thought and speech.
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