1984

George Orwell

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1949

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

Part 2, Chapters 5-9

Part 3, Chapters 1-Appendix

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How does Orwell establish a dystopian atmosphere early in the novel? Provide examples from the text and discuss how they contribute to the novel’s structure and themes.

What are some important differences between Katharine and Julia? What does each woman represent in the novel?

What hints foreshadow Mr. Charrington’s revelation as a member of the Thought Police? Does Winston let down his guard, or is Mr. Charrington clever in trapping Winston?

Winston, Charrington, O’Brien, and Parson all have surnames, but Julia does not. What is the significance of Julia not having a surname?

What is the one principle the Party can never overcome? Explain your answer using evidence from the novel.

Why does Winston think there is hope with the proles? What does he hope the proles can accomplish?

Which fellow mega-nation is Oceania at war with at the beginning of the novel? Who is Oceania at war with at the end of the novel? Why does this detail matter?

What makes Winston think he can trust O’Brien? Even when O’Brien turns out to be his torturer, why does Winston still trust and look up to him?

What is the significance of saying that 2+2=4? How is this math equation representative of freedom in this novel?

10.

Compare and contrast 1984 with another classic dystopian novel, such as Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. How are the novels similar and/or different? What warning does each convey about totalitarian power?