Possible oral questions on 1984

1. Orwell wrote 1984 as a warning. Explain what he was warning people about. Be sure to
examine the influence of political climates in the world during the time when Orwell
wrote.
2. 1984 is full of images and ideas that do not directly affect the plot, but nevertheless at-
tain thematic importance. What are some of these symbols and motifs, and how does
Orwell use them?
3. Discuss the idea of doublethink. How important is doublethink to the Party’s control of
Oceania? How important is it to Winston’s brainwashing?
4. Evaluate Orwell’s use of both doublethink and irony, giving examples of both. Discuss
what you think Orwell’s purpose was in using them.
5. Describe Julia’s character as it relates to Winston. How is she different to him? How is
she similar? (Consider her behaviors her motivation, and her goals.) How does Julia’s
age make her attitude toward the Party very different from Winston’s?
6. Also questions on

Character sketches
The significance of the work’s genre
Orwell’s use of language
The timeliness of the work (historically and its relevance today).