Essay+topics+and+sample+essay

Essay topics Essay topics for Nineteen Eighty-Four (from 2008 Exam)

i. “. . . the choice for mankind lay between freedom and happiness. . .” Is it possible for any of the characters to be both free and happy in the world of Nineteen Eighty- Four? OR ii. ‘Despite Winston’s belief that it is inevitable that he and Julia will be captured, readers are surprised by the brutal ending of Nineteen Eighty-Four.’ Discuss.

From 2009 Sample Exam - i. ‘Fear destroys Winston’s spirit.’ Discuss. OR ii. “The past was erased … the lie became the truth.” Why is the refusal to record the past accurately so important in the world of Nineteen Eighty-Four?



Death? Rats? || ** Fear **** destroys Winston’s spirit – Discuss  ** ** Intro: **** We feel much admiration for Winston Smith – Why? His determination to live a proper life, to defy BB. He showed amazing bravery - in thought and actions – would take a very brave person to continue along Winston’s path and confront his fears. While in the end he could not withstand the fear waiting for him in Room 101 and his spirit was indeed eventually crushed, he put up an admirable fight and demonstrated amazing powers of resistance. ** · **  Attraction to O’Brien whom he sees mistakingly as a fellow conspirator  ** · **  Has found proof that the Party alter history to suit its own version (the photo of Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford)  ** · **  He becomes increasingly more aware of the life he had with his mother and little sister, when people had real emotion for each other and followed their own agendas – not what the Party demanded. ** · **  Eating the real chocolate that Julia finds for him, triggers memories of his childish selfishness and he is haunted by his dying baby’s sister’ s sad eyes. He can now acknowledge his mother’s sacrifice so he could live. He is able to rediscover the human capacity for love and remorse. ** · **  Link back to the topic? = Winston may have lost his battle but his spirited determination to question the foundation of his society shows amazing fearlessness. **
 * In intro – make the point that while Winston lost his fight in the end, and his spirit was crushed by the fear of the rats, his amazing courage and determination remain undiminished. While the real Winston was allowed to exist, his spirit soars. **
 * 1st Paragraph **
 * Winston’s spirited yearning to live a quality life, his appreciation of beauty, personal relationships, love are what distinguished him from comrades such a Syme and Tom Parsons. When we first meet Winston, he is just about to start writing in the forbidden diary, to put into words the thoughts that have been growing louder in his mind. His sensitive, inquiring mind, his individuality had apparently been noticeable for the last 7 years – watched furtively by the seemingly sympathetic O’ Brien **
 * 2nd Paragraph **
 * Writing in this book with the creamy white paper with an old fashioned ink pen, was extremely courageous and spirited. As was buying this notebook in the first place. Even wandering into the prole section of London was a highly suspicious action for a member of the Outer Party. Winston knew the danger he was in – even though he could write beyond the vision of the telescreen – “thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death” (p30) **
 * 3rd Paragraph **
 * Knowing he is doomed for his thoughtcrime, Winston does not lose his determination to question the authority of BB –  **
 * 4th Paragraph – Winston’s rediscovery of his humanity is illustrated in the reference he makes to the Jewish mother in the boat vainly trying to protect her child from the bombs – he does not share his comrades glee at her suffering. Later, he feels deep regret for the callous way he kicked the severed hand in the bombed out prole section of London.  **
 * Link back to topic? – Winston’s rediscovery of his human emotions in the face of Party brainwashing demonstrates the power of his spirit and determination and affirms our admiration for him inspite of his later defeat. **
 * 5th Paragraph **
 * Winston’s ability to appreciate beauty – the creamy white paper of the forbidden diary, the song of the thrush, the pink coral in the glass paperweight, the melodious singing of the prole washerwoman all demonstrate his rejection of the Party’s power. His love for Julia develops into a true affection and he wishes they could be a real married couple. Up until the last (before Room 101) he sustains his love for Julia – that deep abiding private love that O’Brien could not tamper with. **
 * 6th Paragraph **
 * Up until his capture and torture, Winston had developed into a brave and admirable person. He was fearful of capture and pain and knew death was inevitable but he persisted in rebelling against BB. He was hopelessly mistaken in his assessment of O’ Brien and is worn down to a thread in the Ministry of Love – but does not stop loving Julia.  **
 * Conclusion **
 * Winston could not stand up to the deep psychological torture in Room 101 and finally betrays his love for Julia. His spirit has been finally destroyed – but not without a valiant fight. Maybe he is the last man but his attempt to defy Big Brother is not diminished by his ultimate defeat. **