1984 – Questions 2

Hello everyone       The year is coming to an end and so our project for this term. I would just like to share with you an experience I had with one of my Advanced groups last Saturday. I divided the group into two and they had a debate with one side arguing for the benefits of totalitariam regimes and the other defending democratic states.  

Some interesting and also rather disquieting thoughts and ideas were put across, but we also had a lot of fun in the heat of the debate. I’d like to thank my students for that – really rewarding experience.  

The contradiction is that I, in a very ‘democratic fashion’, assigned as homework posting their conclusions and impressions here.   However, all of you who have also read the book are invited to post your comments here as well. The question is:  

In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages in living in both totalitariam and democratic regimes from the citizens’ point of view ?

 

1984 – Questions 1

This is the first set of questions we would like to propose to all of you reading George Orwell’s 1984. I hope we can exchange ideas and opinions about it. There is no thoughtcrime here!! J

1. What’s George Orwell’s perception of society in 1984? What real facts might have influenced him?

2. The Party slogans are

         WAR IS PEACE/ FREEDOM IS SLAVERY / IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

What are the beliefs behind these statements? Do you know any popular saying which expresses at least slightly similar ideas? Do you associate these slogans with discourses of any world leaders in our world?

3. What do people do in the Ministry of Truth? Do you think it would be possible to do such a thing in our society?

The Citadel – Questions 2

1.- Describe Christine`s influence over Andrew along the story.

2.- What`s your opinion about the arguments made against and in support of Andrew at the Genral Medical Council hearing?

3.- If you were ill, which of the doctors in the story would you be happy to ask for treatment?  Explain why you would not visit the others.

4.- Stilman`s background was not recognised by English doctors. Discuss what is more important, a medical degree or the number of patients he had saved.

The Citadel – Questions 1

1. What problems do you think young doctors have to face when starting their first job?

2. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the medical system in your country.

 3. The Citadel has been called a protest book.  Do you agree? Why? Why not? 

Pride and Prejudice – Questions 3

First of all, I'd like o thank you all for your wonderful comments. Here are some more questions to help us keep thinking about the story and the author of our book.  Chris

What is Jane Austen's perception of the place of women in her society?

Why did Jane Austen create a character like Elizabeth? What message did she want to pass? Why?

Class, money and appearances where quite important in Austen' time. Is our own society different?

Marriage was important for women in Austen's time? In your opinion, how important are marriage or stable relationships for women nowadays?

Pride and Prejudice – Questions 2

Hello Everyone

Here you have other questions to think about and post your opinion. I hope you are enjoying the book. We are really enjoying reading your comments.   Chris

What is your opinion about Mr. Darcy? Why does he have this sort of attitude towards the Bennets?

What’s your opinion about Mrs. Bennet's attitude towards her daughters? Why does she behave like that?

How did men and women of this period and class seem to spend their time? What forms of social behaviour were important?

How could people of this period and class live without working?

What things does the author suppose her readers know about the society where the characters live?

Pride and Prejudice – Questions 1

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the first book to be part of this project. 

What do you know about the story?

What do you know about the writer?

What are your expectations towards the book?

Have you seen the last film based on it?