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Topics for essay #2--some of these need you to make use of secondary sources; that might as well be a requirement for all of them. We are reading Nineteen Eighty-Four in part because of its classical model of propaganda, developed closely upon those in use in Nazi Germany and the USSR, but with reference to England; and in part because Orwell's novel presents ideas about language which have influenced the way we think about propaganda and politics now.
Recommended topics:
- Propaganda in Oceania compared with that in authoritarian regimes. Research means of propaganda as of the period from 1930-1950 which may have provided models for propaganda in Nineteen Eighty-Four. (You may need to focus on one aspect rather than attempting to discuss everything.)
- Newspeak--drawing on explanations in the novel, particularly the appendix, and on Orwell's essay "Politics and the English Language," what does Orwell argue to be the influence of language upon thought? You might want to consult work by George Lakoff or other cognitive linguists for this assignment.
- Doublethink and brainwashing. Look at the parts of the novel involving doublethink in relation to accounts from mid-century about the possibility of brainwashing, or changing someone's thoughts and opinion through psychological manipulation.
- Orwellian has entered the language as a descriptive term for what the novel calls blackwhite, or the willingness to deny reality. Find multiple examples in current discourse of "Orwellian."
Leftover topics from last time: discussion of "the Book."
Context--conversation with O'Brien.
170 O'Brien serves them some wine. Toast to Goldstein; what are they prepared to do? Catechism.
174 Description of conspiracy--isolated from anyone else, for everyone's protection. ". . . an understanding tinged by irony." Nothing holds the Brotherhood together except an idea.
177 Copy of the Book.
178 "in the place where there is no darkness."
179 O'Brien goes back to work for the Party.
184 The Book--large chunks reproduced here. Exegesis of the Party's slogans. This is exactly what cannot be reproduced in film adaptations (that and the appendix about Newspeak).
Workshop, to set up informal writings: everyone is to write for 5-7 minutes on one of these, in preparation for discussion and informal writing due Sun. at 6:00 p.m.
- What is the political organization of the world in Nineteen Eighty-Four (three superstates)? Describe in more detail. [185-88; 194-96 ]
- What is the purpose of nonstop war? [destroy surplus goods, 188-92; imposture, pretense, 196-99]
- Division of society into High, Middle, Low [201-10]
- What is life like for a Party member? [210-12]
- What is the nature and purpose of doublethink? the mutability of the past [212-17]
Engl 212 Propaganda
G. Thompson
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Notes for Sept. 27