Emulating the opening to Orwell's '1984'
I can emulate Orwell's dystopian opening to '1984'.
Emulating the opening to Orwell's '1984'
I can emulate Orwell's dystopian opening to '1984'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In order to emulate the opening of Orwell's '1984', you might start with a small detail that doesn't fit with reality.
- Using a semantic field of unpleasantness can create an unsettling atmosphere.
- You might create the sensation of physical discomfort.
- You might progress ideas so that the level of discomfort builds in the reader.
- Releasing details about a dystopia slowly can build an unsettling sensation.
Keywords
Emulate - match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation
Unsettling - causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing
Dystopian - relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
Common misconception
Starting with a vivid description of the character's pain is a great way to hook a reader.
While beginning with a vivid description of pain can add an element of shock, it often doesn't leave the reader anywhere to go emotionally. It might be more effective to leave vivid descriptions of pain for the climax of a text.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
semantic field of unpleasantness
suggest feelings of discomfort to the reader
progress and build ideas to build discomfort