1984 - Worksheet

"1984" is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell and published in 1949. Set in a totalitarian society where individuality and freedom are suppressed, the story follows Winston Smith, who tries to rebel against the oppressive regime led by Big Brother. The novel explores themes of surveillance, government control, propaganda, and the consequences of totalitarianism on society and the individual. Orwell's depiction of a bleak future serves as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the erosion of civil liberties. "1984" remains a seminal work of literature, revered for its profound insights into power and oppression. To know more about this novel, you can check out this video:- 

This blog is written as answers to the worksheet assigned by Barad Sir. For more information, check out his blog here - 1984 Teacher’s Blog.

Worksheet 1 

Worksheet 2 

Part 1: Pre-Screening 

1. Have you read the novel “1984” by George Orwell? If yes, what did you think of it? If no, What do you know about the story?  

No, I have not read the novel “1984”, but I am aware of the story. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three superstates: Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia. The novel follows the protagonist, Winston Smith, who lives in Oceania. This part of the world is ruled by  Big Brother. The government here exercises complete control over every aspect of its citizens lives. 

Winston, secretly has rebellious thoughts against the oppressive regime and begins an illicit affair with Julia, a fellow Party member. Together, they engage in acts of defiance against the Party’s strict rules. However, the rebellion is discovered by the Thought Police. They are betrayed, captured and tortured by O’Brien. 

After being tortured and psychologically manipulated, Winston is made to accept Party’s version of reality and confess to his crimes. When he is sent back into society he is altered to love Big Brother, symbolising the complete victory of the totalitarian regime. The novel concludes with Winston’s realisation that he has become exactly what he once despised - A loyal servant of the oppressive system. 

For further information you can check out this video summary of the novel - 

2. Have you watched any adaptations of "1984" before? If yes, which ones and what did you think of them? If no, what do you expect from this adaptation?

No I have not watched any adaptation of “1984”, before. I expect this film to portray the novel in a faithful manner. The sense of discomfort that we feel as we encounter this novel could be generated in a more intensive degree through the film. I expect the film to portray the dread of the Orwell world. 

3. What themes or ideas do you think are central to "1984"? Why?

There are a few themes and ideas that are central to "1984,". Some of them are:-

Surveillance and Control is a major theme of this novel. The surveillance by the Party, symbolised by telescreens and the Thought Police, highlights the loss of privacy and individual freedom under totalitarian rule.

Manipulation of Truth is another major theme. The Party's manipulation of historical records and dissemination of propaganda demonstrate the power of controlling information to shape reality and maintain authority. Power and Authority also plays a role in the novel as it delves into the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which those in authority will go to maintain their control over others.

Part 2: Screening 

1. As you watch the film, take note of any major differences from the novel. How do these changes affect the story?

A few changes from the novel could be seen in the film. The novel has lengthy background portions explaining concepts like Newspeak, the history/politics of Oceania, etc. These are largely omitted from the film, which streamlines the plot. This loses some context but allows the film to move at a brisker narrative pace.

As a visual medium, the film cannot convey Winston's inner thoughts/conflicts as deeply as the novel's first-person narration. This potentially reduces the impact of his philosophical struggles. While still disturbing, the torture/Room 101 sequences are less explicitly gruesome than the novel's descriptions. This softens the visceral horror slightly.

The film adaptation alters the ending of the novel slightly, which changes Orwell’s open-ended conclusion. While the film’s ending still conveys the bleakness and futility of Winston’s rebellion, but somewhere it lacks the same impact and resonance as the novel’s ending.

2. How does the film's visual style and cinematography contribute to the story? What mood or tone does it create?

The visual style and cinematography of the film play a crucial role in establishing the oppressive, dystopian tone and mood that permeates Orwell's novel. Here are some of the key ways the cinematography achieves this:

The predominant use of gray, browns, and muted tones creates a drab, lifeless look that reflects the joyless existence under Party rule. Vibrant colours are essentially absent, mirroring the lack of individual expression allowed. Decaying urban landscapes are feature. The dilapidated buildings, rubble-strewn streets, and dank interiors depict a world in decline - the Party has allowed civilisation to crumble around its inhabitants. This reinforces the sense of decay and oppression. Extreme contrast between harsh lighting and shadows gives the sense of a surveillance state - you never know what's being illuminated or obscured. It creates an atmosphere of mistrust and fear. The frequent use of tight, closed-in framings with looming walls/boundaries mirrors Winston's metaphorical entrapment under the Party's totalitarian system. It's visually suffocating.

In total, the cinematography cultivates a mood that is crushingly bleak, oppressive, and menacing. The visuals directly translate the novel's core themes about totalitarian control, surveillance, and loss of individual freedom. 

3. Compare the portrayal of the main characters in the film to your mental image of them from the novel. How are they similar or different?

In the novel, Winston is depicted as a disillusioned individual who rebels against the oppressive regime of the Party. John Hurt’s portrayal of Winston in the film captures this sense of disillusionment and inner turmoil effectively, conveying his gradual awakening to the realities of the dystopian world around him.

Suzanna Hamilton’s performance in the film captures Julia’s defiance and vitality, as well as her complex relationship with Winston. However, the film has simplified certain aspects of Julia’s character, particularly in regard to her involvement with the resistance.

Richard Burton’s portrayal of O’Brien in the film adaptation effectively conveys his enigmatic and authoritative presence, as well as his role as both a mentor and a tormentor to Winston. Unlike the traditional villains, he’s a kind parental figure towards Winston. 

Overall, the film’s portrayal of the main characters generally aligns with my mental image of them from the novel.

4. What elements from the novel did the film adaptation include or exclude? Were there any major plot points that were left out?

Included elements -  

The film is quite faithful to its source material and hence, many elements from the novel are found in this film. 

The Surveillance and Control is effectively portrayed in the  film, including the use of telescreens, Thought Police, and propaganda.

The iconic Party slogans such as “War is Peace,” “Freedom is Slavery,” and “Ignorance is Strength” are prominently featured throughout the film, emphasising the Party’s manipulation of language and propaganda.

Excluded elements -

Due to time constraints, the film simplifies certain subplots and characters from the novel, such as Winston’s interactions with Syme, Parsons, and Mr. Charrington.

The film cannot fully capture the introspective nature of the novel, which delves deeply into Winston’s thoughts and inner struggles. The inner monologue of Winston is excluded.

Part 3: Post-Screening 

1. What do you think are there strengths and weaknesses of this film adaptation? How does it compare to other adaptations of “ 1984”? 

Strengths of the Film :- 

Dystopian vibe of the novel is very faithfully captured by the film. The bleak atmosphere brings out an eerie feeling in the audience. The film’s cinematography and the use of dim lighting, stark contrasts, and muted colors, effectively conveys the grim and oppressive nature of the totalitarian regime. 

The interior set designs are also nicely used as they give the sense of claustrophobia and convey the confinement and surveillance.

The constant stream of fake news in the background is utilised immaculately to show propaganda of the party. These news are inescapable and always playing in the background which shows that the characters living there subconsciously absorb everything. 

 

Apart from that, acting of John Hurt as the protagonist Winston Smith was commendable. 

Weakness of the film - 

The film simplifies certain characters, who play significant roles in the novel. For example, character of Syme. Syme's disappearance serves as a prime example of how even your thoughts or your intellectual capacity could make you a target and that the Party can and will "vaporize" you just for showing potential of being a threat, no matter how loyal you may be. This aspect is not properly shown in the film. 

2. How successful was the film in conveying the central themes and ideas of the novel? Were there any aspects that the film failed to capture? 

I personally think the film was successful in capturing the central themes and ideas of the novel. Ideas of surveillance and lack of privacy were portrayed through the constant surveillance of the citizens.  The themes of loss of individuality and manipulation of the truth are also perfectly captured. 

3. What is your overall impression of the film? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

I think the film is very well made. The direction and acting are commendable. I would definitely recommend others to watch this film because the film encourages viewers to think critically regarding government control, manipulation of the truth and reminds the audience, the dangers of unchecked power. 

By exploring the consequences of totalitarianism the film helps viewers understand the importance of protecting civil liberties. It serves as a reminder of the lessons of history and the need to remain vigilant against threats to freedom and democracy. 

Words - 1679

Images - 8

Videos - 2