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Section 4: Overview

Understanding Themes

We will read Part 3 of 1984 and refine our understanding of the major themes and central ideas of the novel and Orwell’s purpose for writing. We will continue to analyze Orwell’s craft and style, adding to our toolboxes of writing strategies to emulate on the Culminating Task.

  • Lesson 1:

    We will analyze a model vignette and use it as a mentor text for revising our vignettes.

  • Lesson 2:

    We will read Chapter 1 from Part 3 of 1984 and examine Orwell’s use of imagery, foreshadowing, irony, and suspense.

  • Lesson 3:

    We will meet with our literature circles to discuss Chapter 2 from Part 3 of 1984. We will examine how Orwell further develops central ideas of the novel.

  • Lesson 4:

    We will meet in our literature circles to discuss Chapters 3 and 4 from Part 3 of 1984. We will examine how Orwell further develops Winston’s character.

  • Lesson 5:

    We will discuss the final two chapters of the novel, and will examine Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and structural choices. We will work in groups to determine and express themes from the novel.

  • Lesson 6:

    We will examine 1984’s wide-ranging influence on contemporary culture.

  • Lesson 7:

    We will read an excerpt from “Why I Write” and craft open-ended questions to prepare for the Section 4 Diagnostic.

  • Lesson 8:

    We will participate in a Socratic Seminar. We will use the evidence from the novel as well as other supporting texts we have read to pose new questions, support our responses to our classmates’ questions, and develop a more critical understanding of the themes and ideas found in 1984. Finally, we will write short, personal reflections about the seminar and our participation in the seminar.

  • Lesson 9:

    We will review the teacher’s feedback on our Section Diagnostic and will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

  • Lesson 10:

    We will share the analyses we have made about our independent reading texts and make connections to the unit. We will plan a final product to share our experiences from reading independently and the knowledge we have gained.