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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is everyone in Oceania supposed to call each other?

2. Which event's preparations causes an increase in working hours in Part 2, Chapter 4?

3. In Part 2, Chapter 3, what will be Julia and Winston's next meeting place?

4. What is the name of Winston's "friend" who works at the Research Department?

5. How much does it cost for a nip of gin at the canteen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Doublethink is believing that something is true when you know it is false. Do you really think that doublethink is possible? Can you find any examples of doublethink in the real world?

2. In your own words, how does Winston describe Mr. Parsons?

3. Winston fears that the dark-haired girl is not a member of the Thought Police; instead, she is an amateur spy. Why do you think the latter is more dangerous?

4. Who was comrade Ogilvy, and what was he like? How did he supposedly die?

5. Why does Winston think Syme will be vaporized? What does Syme lack?

6. When Winston kisses Julia, he feels "incredulity and pride ... but he had no physical desire." Why do you think he feels this way? What does it reveal about why he needs Julia?

7. What do the Parsons children want to go see in Part 1, Chapter 2? What do you think of them?

8. When Winston was young, he and his family had to take shelter in a subway station because London was being attacked. An old man was crying, "We didn't ought to have trusted them." Who should not have trusted?

9. How does the dark-haired girl's note affect Winston? Has it changed his outlook?

10. How would you have reacted to the note? What would you have done differently, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It can be said that Winston is tragically flawed due to his continued defiance of the rules of Oceania. His actions will eventually lead to his downfall.

Think deeply about yourself and your actions. Do you know someone who has a tragic flaw, or do you yourself have one? Write an essay explaining the flaw, why you consider it to be a problem, some examples demonstrating it, and how you think you or the other person can change to fix the flaw. Remember to keep within the definition of "tragic flaw," and avoid simply writing about something that you don't like about yourself or another person.

Essay Topic 2

Against the Party, one may feel that almost any action is acceptable, or that "the ends justify the means." Is violence an acceptable way of solving problems or achieving goals--even in combating a violent regime? Be sure to discuss:

1) Show how violence has succeeded or failed in the past.

2) Pros and cons associated with using violence.

3) Moral arguments for or against the use of violence.

4) The role of violence in the future of the world.

Essay Topic 3

Julia's attitude towards sex is extremely appealing to Winston. He admires that she has had many partners because it represents a kind of victory for him against the "purity" of the Party.

Write an essay explaining your attitude towards promiscuity. Is it immoral? And when, if ever, is it justified? In your conclusion, be sure to state whether or not you think the attitude towards sex in America should change.

(see the answer keys)

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