INTRODUCTION:
GEORGE ORWELL'S 1984
Welcome, ENG students! This introductory WebQuest is meant to contextualize an impactful literary work of the 20th century that remains relevant even today. Here, you will conduct research across various mediums and resources to develop an understanding of the novel's historical influences, sociopolitical commentary, and George Orwell himself. As you work through the WebQuest and begin reading the text, consider how Orwell's vision of the future as he imagined it back in 1949 presents a terrifying dystopia. Ask yourselves -- could this really happen?
TASK OVERVIEW
Part I: The World of George Orwell
Part II: The World of 1984
Part III: Key Themes
Scroll down to find the descriptions and links allotted for each part. You can also access each WebQuest part from the header menu at the top of this website.
This section introduces you to the dystopian novel of 1984. The imagined future that Orwell describes is full of thought-provoking terms and concepts. Here you will learn pertinent details that make up the society of Oceania, where most of the novel takes places and where its protagonist Winston Smith lives.
This section introduces you to 1984's author Eric Arthur Blair, who is better known to us by his pen name George Orwell. Here you will learn about the English writer's literary upbringing, inspiration, and surroundings that influenced his work in fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and essay writing.
This section introduces you to four (4) themes of 1984 that characterize the central ideas of the novel. Here you will learn about what each theme means in the scope of Orwell's work and the world at large.
EVALUATION
NOTE TO STUDENTS
Please review the evaluation rubric that is downloadable as a PDF through the link below. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the assessment of this formative WebQuest, contact me by e-mail (mchanedu@outlook.com).
TEACHER BIOGRAPHY
Maggie Chan is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) in the Intermediate/Senior divisions with teachable subjects in English and French. An alumna of the University of Windsor and Queen's University, she is currently working abroad at an international school located in China. For enquiries about Ms. Chan or her teaching practice, please feel free to reach out by e-mail.
