Revision: Open Prompt #4

1976. The conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or from a work of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.

           Dystopian novels are commonly written throughout ages of change and political commotion. Authors of those types of novels write them to warn readers what may happen in the future if things continue to change for the worse. In the novel, 1984, the author, George Orwell, uses themes to show people what moral and ethical implications a totalitarian government may have on its citizens.
            One theme that Orwell uses is the control of the mind. The Party (government) alters the news and books to change the history that portrays them in bad light. The Party also monitors the citizens carefully and 24/7. The citizens are not allowed to think or speak rebellious thoughts (thoughtcrime) and are forced to suppress sexual urges. Children are turned into Junior Spies to rat out people that commit those crimes. In addition, the Party creates a new language called Newspeak that contains no rebellious words so that people won't think or speak rebellious thoughts.
            Another theme that Orwell includes is the control of the mind. The Party uses immoral and unethical tactics to crack Winston Smith (protagonist). The Party takes Julia (Winston's secret girlfriend) away and forces Winston into Room 101. They threaten to let a bunch of rats (Winston's biggest fear) eat his face unless he gives up Julia. Winston tells the Party to do it to Julia instead and in the end, Winston loves the Party. The Party also forces citizens to do physically demanding workouts every morning. If anyone defies the Party or commits a crime, the Party punishes them severly until they learn to love the Party (like what they did to Winston).
              These themes serve as warnings to what may happen if countries convert to totalitarianism. The citizens and society will be oppressed morally and ethically.

Response to Course Materials #6

        Over the past few weeks, we have done so much! For one thing, I was so happy that the final was changed from a terms test to an acting final. I acted a little in British Lit last year, so it was quite fun to act this year again and to watch the other groups interpret different scenes. I wonder if anyone chose to take the terms test and if so, how they thought it went.
        We have also worked more on the multiple choice practice. I think that, albiet very slowly, I am improving! It was great to take the practice test myself and then listen to Ms. Holmes explain and analyze the poems afterwards. If only she was there to help us during the AP exam...
        Last week, we watched a very modern version of Hamlet. That was quite an interesting movie. It was definitely the most different and absurb version that I had ever seen. I still don't know quite why the director would choose to have Ophelia die from a heroine overdose, but hey, I guess everyone has a different interpretion of this play!
        This week, we have just started reading Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Although it is a bit confusing, this is by far my favorite play this year! It's refreshing to read some of the humor in it and nice to see Ms. Holmes laughing along with us. I can't wait to finish reading it!