Technische Berufsschule Zürich, Informationstechnik

My Own Book -
Reading Diary

Class: Pe21D

Name: Filip Ristevski

Contents

My Book 1
Weekly Summaries 2
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My Book
Title: Ninteen eighty-four (1984)

Author: eroge Orwell

Pages: 325

Genre (Google if necessary): dystopian novel

Motivation: Why did you pick your book?

Write 3-5 full sentences!

I chose "1984" by George Orwell because it is a timeless masterpiece of dystopian literature that
continues to address relevant societal and political issues. Orwell's bleak vision of a totalitarian regime
and the surveillance state he depicts in his book prompts reflection on the dangers of abuse of power
and the restriction of individual freedom. Additionally, I am intrigued by the way Orwell explores the
manipulation of language and truth, which is particularly significant in today's era of fake news and
disinformation. "1984" is a book that is both literary captivating and intellectually stimulating, which is
why it piqued my curiosity and motivation to read and contemplate it.

Expectations

Read the blurb on the back of your book and also the first two pages. What are your expectations
after this first encounter with your book? Write 4-6 full sentences.

After reading the blurb on the back of "1984" and the first two pages, my expectations for the book
are quite high. The blurb introduces a dystopian world where individualism is suppressed, and the
government exerts total control, which immediately piqued my interest. The opening pages of the
book establish a sense of unease and surveillance, with the description of the oppressive atmosphere
and the protagonist's fear of being caught by the authorities. This initial encounter has set the stage
for a thought-provoking and suspenseful narrative. I anticipate a story that delves deep into themes of
authoritarianism, propaganda, and the erosion of truth, and I look forward to exploring how the
characters navigate this grim and oppressive world. Overall, I expect "1984" to be a compelling and
thought-provoking read that challenges my perspective on government, freedom, and the power of
language.

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My Own Book - Reading Diary

Continuous assessment:
You will read each week twenty minutes of your selected book. Afterwards, you will complete the
weekly summary information that is located here, paying attention to the new vocabulary section.

What’s important is that each week:

a) You read with motivation, you TRY to focus, you TRY to make steady progress through your
book.
b) That you write your ‚reading diary‘ each week.
c) When writing your diary, it’s ok if your writing skills are not perfect at first, however when the
teacher corrects the writing, it is necessary that each week you TRY to learn from your
writing mistakes and TRY not to make the same mistakes each week.

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Weekly Summary

Week 1
Weekly Summary:

In the opening of "1984," we are introduced to the protagonist, Winston Smith, who lives in a
dystopian society characterized by strict government control and surveillance. The setting is a grim
and oppressive city called Airstrip One, which is part of the superstate Oceania. The ruling Party, led
by Big Brother, exercises total authority and enforces conformity through constant surveillance and
propaganda. The Thought Police monitor citizens for any signs of dissent or independent thought.

Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to align with the
Party's ever-changing version of reality. He is disillusioned with the Party and secretly harbors
rebellious thoughts against its oppressive regime. Winston purchases a forbidden diary and begins to
document his true feelings, knowing that such an act could lead to severe punishment if discovered.

New Vocabulary:
1. Dystopian: Relating to an imaginary society characterized by oppressive conditions.
2. Surveillance: Close observation or monitoring, especially by an authority or government.
3. Dissent: The expression of disagreement or opposition to a prevailing or official view or policy.
4. Disillusioned: Disappointed or typically as a result of discovering the truth about something.

Week 2
Weekly Summary:

In this section of the book, Winston continues to grapple with his feelings of disillusionment and
rebellion against the Party. He remembers a time from his childhood when he stole a piece of
chocolate from his little sister and felt a sense of guilt and liberation. This memory serves as a contrast
to the current oppressive environment in which he lives.

Winston's thoughts are filled with a sense of unease and resentment towards the Party's control over
every aspect of life. He is disturbed by the constant presence of telescreens that monitor citizens'
actions and conversations. He begins to question the Party's slogans and propaganda, particularly the
phrase "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength," which he finds contradictory.

Winston's growing sense of rebellion intensifies as he becomes involved with Julia, a fellow Party
member. They share a secret and forbidden relationship that challenges the Party's strict rules against
personal relationships and individualism. This relationship becomes a symbol of resistance against the
Party's control and surveillance.

New Vocabulary:
1. Grapple: To struggle with something, often in a metaphorical sense…
2. Oppressive: Exerting unjust or cruel control over individuals, often in a harsh or tyrannical manner.

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Week 3
Weekly Summary:

In this section of the book, Winston's relationship with Julia deepens, and they become more involved
in acts of rebellion against the Party. They rent a room in a secluded area where they can meet in
secret and express their forbidden desires. Their relationship is characterized by a sense of defiance
against the Party's strict rules and surveillance.

Winston and Julia engage in passionate discussions about their shared hatred for the Party and their
longing for freedom. They are united in their belief that the Party's slogans and propaganda are lies
designed to control the masses. Their love affair is a form of rebellion against the Party's efforts to
suppress personal relationships and individualism.

Winston also becomes increasingly interested in a book by Emmanuel Goldstein, the Party's supposed
enemy. The book, titled "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism," challenges the Party's
ideology and provides a different perspective on the world. Winston becomes convinced that O'Brien,
a high-ranking Inner Party member, is secretly a member of the Brotherhood, a resistance group
against the Party.

New Vocabulary:
1. Defiance: Open resistance or disobedience to an authority or opposing force.
2. Longing: A strong desire or yearning for something.

Week 4
Weekly Summary:

In this section of the book, Winston and Julia's relationship deepens, and they continue to engage in
acts of rebellion against the Party. They spend time together in their secret room, enjoying moments
of intimacy and freedom away from the prying eyes of the Party.

Winston becomes more obsessed with understanding the true nature of the Party and the world he
lives in. He reads Goldstein's book, "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism," which
provides a critical perspective on the Party's ideology and control. Winston is intrigued by the concept
of the Inner Party, the ruling elite, and the Outer Party, which he belongs to, and the masses known as
the Proles. He begins to grasp the intricacies of the Party's manipulation of power.

As Winston's rebellion deepens, he also starts to distrust Julia. He fears that she may betray him under
torture if they are ever caught by the Thought Police. This growing sense of paranoia and mistrust
reflects the ever-present atmosphere of surveillance and fear in Oceania.

New Vocabulary:
1. Prying: Inquisitive and intrusive, often trying to discover private information.
2. Intricacies: The complex details or inner workings of something.
3. Sorrow: A feeling of deep distress, sadness, or regret.

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Week 5
Weekly Summary:

In this section of the book, the intensity of Winston's rebellious activities escalates. He and Julia
continue their relationship, determined to undermine the Party's dictatorship. Together, they persist
in pursuing covert activities to resist the ever-watchful surveillance state.

Winston continues his research and keeps reading Goldstein's book, "The Theory and Practice of
Oligarchical Collectivism." His comprehension of the Party's structure and mechanisms deepens. He
also begins to question his own identity and the history of the world as rewritten by the Party.

During this time, the book also reveals Winston's recurring nightmares from his childhood and his
family. These dreams evoke deep emotions and a sense of sorrow over the lost past and the alienation
intentionally created by the Party.

Tension and danger intensify as Winston and Julia are acutely aware of the constant threat from the
Thought Police. Their love and rebellion are perilous and risky, but they are determined to persevere
despite the looming danger.

New Vocabulary:
1. Clandestine: Done in secret or kept hidden, often for a purpose.
2. Profound: Having great depth or significance.
3. Precarious: Uncertain and potentially dangerous.
4. Pervasive: Widespread and prevalent throughout.
5. Peril: Serious and immediate danger.

Week 6

Weekly Summary:

In this section, tension and danger escalate for Winston and Julia. Their rebellion against the Party
reaches a climax as they undertake riskier actions to undermine the Party's power. Their secret love
and resistance against the state's surveillance remain perilous and fraught with risk.

Winston continues his reading of Goldstein's book, "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical
Collectivism," deepening his understanding of the Party's inner workings. Simultaneously, his fears
and paranoia grow, as he becomes increasingly convinced that they are being monitored by the
Thought Police.

Julia and Winston experience moments of exhaustion and emotional strain as they persist in their
risky activities. Their relationship is put to the test, and the constant threat of discovery by the Party
creates a tense atmosphere.

New Vocabulary:
1. Inexorable: Impossible to stop or prevent; relentless.

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2. Acrimony: Bitterness or sharpness in words, behavior, or character.

3. Ineffable: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; indescribable.
4. Intransigence: Refusal to change one's views or to agree about something.
5. Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
6. Cacophony: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Week 7
Weekly Summary:

In this section, Winston and Julia's clandestine activities continue to escalate as they strive to resist
the oppressive regime of the Party. They engage in secret meetings and passionate acts of rebellion
against the ever-present surveillance.

Winston's obsession with understanding the true nature of the Party and his own identity deepens,
but he becomes increasingly aware of the precariousness of their situation. The sense of danger and
the threat of discovery loom larger as they navigate the perilous path of resistance.

The relationship between Winston and Julia becomes more complex, with moments of both passion
and acrimony. Their love is an ephemeral escape from the harsh reality of Oceania, but it is also
marked by the constant fear of betrayal.

New Vocabulary:
1. Clandestine: Characterized by secrecy, especially for subversive or illegal purposes.
2. Precarious: Dependent on uncertain conditions; dangerously unstable.
3. Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time; transient.
4. Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
5. Exacerbate: To make a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more severe.
6. Indomitable: Impossible to subdue or defeat; unconquerable.

Week 8 - End of reading diary summary sheet

Here, you need to write about the positives and negatives of reading your book. Write about these
things, focussing on anything that you might have learnt during the reading process.

Reading "1984" by George Orwell has been a thought-provoking and intense experience. There have
been both positives and negatives to this reading journey.

Positives:

Thought-Provoking Themes: "1984" has prompted deep reflection on the themes of government
control, surveillance, propaganda, and the erosion of truth. It serves as a stark warning about the
dangers of authoritarianism and the manipulation of language and information.

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Engaging Plot: The story's suspenseful and dystopian narrative kept me engaged throughout. The
escalating tension and the characters' struggles against an oppressive regime made for a compelling
read.

Vocabulary Enrichment: Reading "1984" has expanded my vocabulary by introducing challenging and
relevant words that are not commonly encountered in everyday reading.

Negatives:

Heavy and Dark: The book's grim and oppressive atmosphere can be emotionally draining at times. It
is not a light or uplifting read, and the bleakness of the world Orwell creates can be overwhelming.

Intense Themes: The novel delves into heavy themes that may be disturbing to some readers. It forces
readers to confront uncomfortable realities about power, control, and the potential for societal
manipulation.

In conclusion, reading "1984" has been a rewarding experience that has expanded my understanding
of dystopian literature and its relevance in contemporary society. While it is a challenging and intense
read, the insights gained from this novel are invaluable.