1984 Literary Essay Topics

Select one of the topics below and compose a five paragraph essay.
Be sure to follow proper essay structure, and proper MLA style
in terms of quotations and the layout of the paper. Use the essay
outline, format sheet, in class lesson, and MLA style guide from class.
The topics below are not thesis statements. You will need to
compose your own thesis on the topic once you have thought
about the topic at length. Remember to think analytically:
explain the how and why, as well as the significance of what you
say in response to the statement. Ask yourself, what is George
Orwell saying about your topic? What is hismessage? Attach a
one paragraph reflection at the end of your paper following the
guidelines explained on the rubric.
1. .If there is hope, it lies in the proles. How does this
quotation relate to Orwell's overall message?
2. Orwell's novel, 1984, is clearly a product of its time. Discuss
how the novel is a reaction to social and political elements of the
time in which it was created.
3. Given his importance, what does Orwell want us to think of
Winston? Can we trust him? Is he a hero? What qualities do we
normally associate with such a role? Does Winston "measure up" to
these? In what ways? Why does he fail? Could he have led a
successful revolution? Discuss how Orwell uses the character of
Winston Smith to further his thematic ideas.
4. Is the ending inevitable? Discuss how the ending of the novel contributes or does
not contribute to Orwell's overall themes/ideas in 1984.
5. What criticism of society is George Orwell offering? Discuss how
this criticism is expressed through the novel's elements (consider
characters, setting, plot and style).
6. Discuss 1984 as an exemplar of a classic dystopian novel..
7. Consider the theme of identity: Are we the product of our
environment, or are we truly free to decide who we want to be in
life?. What is Orwell's message regarding this theme and how is it
expressed?
8. Satire is a way of making fun of people, systems, ways of
government, etc. Is Nineteen Eighty-Four a satire? The world of
Nineteen Eighty-Four might feel at first like a nightmare, existing
only in Orwells imagination but how much of it is based on things
which are real, only taken to extremes in the novel?.

9. Consider the theme of power: How does a single group of people

gain such total power in society? What are the methods that people
use to gain control over other people? Why do people submit to this
power? Discuss how Orwell develops the theme of power in the
novel 1984.
10. What power does an individual have against the masses? How
does Orwell answer this question through the characters of the
novel?

3U Literary Essay Rubric

Curriculum
Expectation
Understandi
K ng of Form &
n Style
o /20
w
l
e
d
g
e
Developing
and
Organizing
Content
/20
T
h
i
n
k
i
n
g

Criteria

Demonstrate knowledge of
literary essay format
requirements

Demonstrate knowledge of
literary writing tools and
techniques
Demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of content of
literary works studied

Develop a coherent plan to

structure argument and essay

Demonstrate original ideas

Analyze text with a high degree
of effectiveness and depth

Provide effective and relevant

proof to support argument

Organize ideas into a logical

progression that is effective and
engaging, and reinforces the
argument

Organize sources referenced in

proper format

Comments

Level

Using
Knowledge
of Form and
Style
/10
A
p
p
l
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

Write complete sentences that

communicate their meaning
clearly and accurately, varying
sentence type, structure, and
length and making logical
transitions between ideas

Evidence of engagement with

audience;

Sense of voice;
Evidence of effective diction.
Reflection
/10

C Conventions
o /20
m
m
u
n
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

Use of proper referencing

Reflect on several different
strategies you used before, during,
and after writing, explain which
ones you found most helpful, and
identify several specific steps you
took to improve as a writer.

Correct use of accurate

conventions (spelling,
punctuation, grammar)

Use of proofreading techniques

to polish writing