PART II
THE WORLD OF 1984
Review the map below that shows the world's geography in 1984. The novel is set in a world consisting of three inter-continental superstates: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. In Orwell's vision of the future, these superstates formed as a result of a global war that persists for the sake of territory and power. The novel mostly takes place in Oceania, where its protagonist Winston Smith lives in Airstrip One (formerly known as Great Britain in our world). Refer to the additional links below the map to learn more information about Oceania in particular.
Where are you currently located on the map? What superstate would you be a part of?
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Take a look through these resources for a better understanding of Oceania's leader, government, and society.
This website includes a significant breakdown of Big Brother, the leader of Oceania. Select one (1) historical figure that Big Brother is based upon from the following list and write a short summary (100-300 words) of their leadership and impact: Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un.
Browse the subpages featured for each of the four (4) government ministries of Oceania: the Ministry of Love, the Ministry of Peace, the Ministry of Plenty, and the Ministry of Truth. Describe the function and purpose of each of them in one sentence followed by another sentence pointing out what the respective ministries ACTUALLY do.
Review the descriptions of each social class that makes up Oceania's society. What does it mean to be a member of the Inner Party, the Outer Party, or the Proles? In a short response (100-200 words) based upon the webpage, explain why you think Winston, 1984's protagonist, writes, "If there is any hope, it lies in the Proles."