A satiric exaggeration, this novel emphasizes the ultimate abuse of power by a totalitarian government. 1984 also addresses communism, American democracy, socialism, liberalism, and any other form of government that attempts to control and mold its citizens’ beliefs, actions, thoughts, and morals. 1984 serves as a warning against blind acceptance of the messages sent by those who manipulate the media.

Students create a utopian society, use a character web to study characterization, analyze dreams, and exercise critical thinking skills by debating an issue. They also examine setting, mood, irony, paradox, and the manipulation of language. Concluding activities ask students to evaluate their own society and contemporary issues through comparison with the novel’s themes and political structure.

Supplementary materials include composition and project ideas, and a final test with answer key.