It Came From Shen...

1984 Discussion Question #6

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:31:05 +0000

In the final analysis, how accurate was Orwell in his vision of the future? In what ways does our contemporary society compare to his idea of society in 1984? Are there examples in which he was correct? What is most opposite? Do you see a potential for aspects of Orwell’s “vision” to come true?

1984 Discussion Question #5

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:30:11 +0000

During his final encounter with O’Brien, Winston argues that, if all else fails, the inherent nature of the individual—the “spirit of man”—is strong enough to undermine a society such as that created by The Party. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Is Winston’s belief applicable to the world we live in today? Can you cite examples in our own recent history that support or dismiss Winston’s belief in the resiliency and righteousness of the human spirit?

1984 Discussion Question #4

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:26:31 +0000

Imagine yourself as Winston Smith at the beginning of 1984. What would you do to undermine The Party? Knowing what you know now, how would you extricate yourself from the fate that awaits you?

1984 Discussion Question #3

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:25:16 +0000

Describe the role that O’Brien plays in Winston’s life. Why do you think that initially, Winston is drawn to O’Brien? Why does he implicitly trust him, despite the enormous dangers involved?

1984 Discussion Question #2

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:20:15 +0000

Will the soon-to-be ubiquitous presence of computers and networks result in increased personal liberty, a fundamental loss of privacy or both? Why or why not? What did Orwell think?

1984 Discussion Question #1

putncase — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:13:06 +0000

What dangers are inherent to a society which degrades its language(s)? What specific examples of the degradation of language do you see in the novel 1984? What examples do you see in your own life?

Defining Sci Fi

putncase — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:45:47 +0000

How might we define science fiction? What recurring motifs and themes do we find in this form?

Sci Fi Television

putncase — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:44:51 +0000

What is the best sci-fi television show ever to run on television and why? (Sci-fi with fantasy elements is fine, but it should have some aspects of traditional sci-fi.)

Sci Fi Bytes!

putncase — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:56:12 +0000

Make a case for or against the suggestion that science fiction is a less respectable form of literature.

Utopia/Dystopia

putncase — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:24 +0000

Using your current understanding of dystopic and utopic societies, what aspects of current American civilization might be dsytopic or utopic? (Keep in mind that people living in dystopias do not always recognize them as such, i.e. Mildred in Fahrenheit 451. Conversely, people do not always know how good things are.)