1984 Research Paper assignment

1984 :Research Paper Assignment

Overview:

You will read the novel 1984 and write a multi- source researched argument on one of the four topics suggested, unless otherwise approved in writing by the instructor, according to the criteria below:

What you will submit:

1. Stapled and appropriately labeled final draft of your research paper

2. Stapled and appropriately labeled rough draft of your research paper. (Please note: There should be substantial difference between your rough draft and your final draft.)

3. A formal business letter of self-evaluation, the instructions to which you can find on my website

4. The grading rubric (on my website)

5. My written approval if you deviate from the four suggested topics.

* Do not include a cover page and do not turn in your work in a folder.

Content Requirements:

1. Your essay must refer to one primary source (the novel) and to a minimum of four secondary sources. Each secondary source must be cited in the paper at least once.

2. Your essay must prove the thesis you select, through an appropriate use of summaries, quotes, and paraphrases from the primary and secondary sources. Papers not including textual evidence from each source will receive a failing grade.

3. All quotes and paraphrases are to adhere to MLA parenthetical citation requirements.

4. Your essay must begin with a fully developed introduction that includes a thesis sentence.

5. Your essay must end with a fully developed conclusion.

6. Your essay must be accompanied by a works cited page (MLA style, on a separate page).

Format Requirements:

1. Your paper is to be 3-5 pages long (double spaced 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman script; not including works cited page and heading)

2. Your paper is to be meticulously prepared using MLA format throughout.

Related Matters

1. You may be required to submit your final copy to Turnitin.com. Please watch for an e-mail about this.

2. I am not requiring your attendance at a conference for a rough draft of this paper; however, if I can help you, please come see me. Check my office hours on my homepage.

These are topics on which you can write a substantial analytical paper. They are designed to test your understanding of major themes and details from this novel as a whole. Following the topics are outlines you can use as a starting point for writing an analytical paper.

Topic #1

The theme of betrayal is a dominant thread running throughout this novel. Give examples of characters and events that contribute to Winston’s final self−betrayal. Make it clear that these examples intensify the novel’s overall mood of loneliness and alienation.

Outline

I. Thesis statement: Orwell explores various kinds of betrayal, including self−betrayal, to heighten the mood of loneliness and alienation in 1984.

II. Party intolerance of betrayal to its ideology

A. Indoctrination of children to Party policy

B. Denouncement

C. Role of the Thought Police

D. Extermination

E. Room 101

III. Individual characters’ betrayal of one another

A. Charrington’s betrayal of Winston and Julia

B. Parsons’ betrayal by his children

C. Ampleforth’s betrayal by his work

D. O’Brien’s betrayal of Winston

IV. The hope symbolized by Winston and Julia’s love affair

A. The sanctuary of Charrington’s room

B. The lovers’ definition of betrayal

C. Winston’s betrayal of Julia

D. Julia’s admittance to betraying Winston

V. Self−betrayal

A. Winston’s capitulation to the Party

B. Implications of Winston’s defeat

VI. Overall pessimism of the conclusion

Topic #2

Orwell uses the recurrent motif of the dream to reveal background, develop character, and foreshadow key events. Analyze these dreams for their implications.

Outline

I. Thesis statement: Orwell uses the dream, a recurrent motif, as a mechanism to reveal background, develop character, and foreshadow events.

II. The Golden Country

A. Part I, Chapter 2

B. Part II, Chapter 2

C. Common symbols and significance

III. The sinking ship

A. Part I, Chapter 2

B. Part II, Chapter 7

C. Interpretation as a key to Winston’s mother’s disappearance

IV. “The place where there is no darkness”

A. Introduction of the dream with O’Brien as its speaker

B. The nightmarish wall of darkness

C. Literal interpretation of the dream

D. Significance of the rats

Topic #3

That 1984 is a satire on totalitarian states such as Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Russia and a warning to the West is one of the commonly accepted interpretations of the novel. Prove that this is so by showing that Orwell did create a complete, repressive totalitarian state in Oceania.

Outline

I. Thesis statement: Orwell’s 1984 attacks the totalitarianism of the East while warning the West of its consequences.

II. Party ideology

A. One−party system

B. Hierarchical structure—Big Brother as leader

C. Total control of society

D. Party’s motive as explained by O’Brien

III. Monitoring as an effort to eliminate insurrection

A. Thought Police

B. Telescreens

C. Hidden microphones

D. Passport checks

E. Vaporization

F. Room 101

IV. Control of mass communication

A. Function of the Ministry of Truth

B. Winston’s job at the Ministry of Truth

C. Ampleforth’s function as poet

D. Syme’s work on Newspeak

E. Constant announcements on telescreen

F. Party motto—control of the past

V. Examples from History

A. Stalin’s Russia

B. Hitler’s Germany

Topic #4

The paperweight Winston purchases at Charrington’s shop takes on several meanings before its final destruction during Winston’s arrest. Explain Winston’s motive for buying the paperweight as well as its symbolic interpretation as it changes throughout the novel.

Outline

I. Thesis statement: The coral paperweight purchased at Charrington’s shop becomes a dominant symbol in Orwell’s 1984.

II. Purchase of the paperweight

A. Significance of Charrington’s shop as the setting

B. Winston’s motive for its purchase

III. Interpretation as a symbol

A. Relic of the past

B. Sanctuary of the room

C. Beauty of the affair, symbol of hope

D. Destruction of the paperweight/affair