We continued to read and finish up Book II in the novel. Ben made logical predictions and made astute observations about the changing dynamics between the protagonist, Winston, and his lover, Julia, both of whom realize they will soon be discovered by the Thought Police and eliminated - but they vow to remain loyal t one another. Ben domonstrated very good recall and retrieval skill as noted in his responses to queries.

Ben apologized for not doing his homework, but I reminded him it was due tomorrow. I also shared a site I thought he'd be interested in - and sent it to him via outlook email. It contained 5 songs inspired by George Orwell's '1984' novel. Unfortunately, I was unable to download the songs but asked Ben to try when he got home. We continued to read in Book III and Ben recalled where we had left off and the characters involved in our last reading. We noted how Orwell's language contributed to the suspense in the novel and specifically referenced 'Room 101," making predictions about what sort of punishment was awaiting Winston in that room.

Student absent

Student Absent

We discussed the story elements and how the action in the last chapter we read appears to be culminating in a climax. Ben made predictions about what he thinks will happen next in Book III. We collaboratively read a few pages which described Winston in a prison cell and we discussed how the language Orwell uses contributes to fueling the reader's imagination effectively. In the novel, Orwell uses Newspeak as a dystopian language designed to diminish the range of thought and control communication. I told Ben I sent him a homework assignment due next Thursday, 5/7, and expectations regarding the assignment.

We completed Book II this morning. Ben commented that "it was an amazing chapter - really good!" We summarized the chapter after completing it - it was the climax of the story. In the chapter, Julia and Winston realize their doomed fate but also see hope for the future in the vitality of the proles, who represent the "people" of society. We were both very surprised to read and learn that Mr. Charrington was actually a member of the Thought Police and they are both suddenly arrested. Ben will be a given a homework assignment comprised of three questions to answer about the chapter. We ended the session with Ben making a prediction about what would happen in Book III.

Ben brought in his homework and we reviewed his answers to three questions. He answered each thoroughly and his responses indicated excellent inferential and comprehension skills. I pointed out one or two grammatical errors, but Ben commented that he used voice dictation to explain the errors. He was, however, cognizant and receptive to the corrections. We then analyzed O'Brien's depiction of the three powers and compared it to totalitarianism regime. Ben demonstrated a sound knowledge of history and we reviewed the term oligarchy which came up during discussion of the text. I was very pleased with the quality of the responses Ben delivered in his response to the questions asked of him.

We continued our reading and analysis of "1984," noting the parallels Orwell references to history and political regimes. Ben has extensive knowledge about ideologies and contributed several observations and relevant connections to the novel. Later this week, I have planned to have Ben review some clips about Orwell and his upbringing to establish further understanding and connections to his work. We continued reading O'Brien's book that Winston is now reading aloud to his girlfriend, Julia and the shadowy figure of Emmanuel Goldstein -the fictional character and the principal enemy of the state of Oceania.

We read several pages in Book II Chapter 9 in which the protagonist begins reading the book O'Brien smuggled to him. We agreed that the major theme in chapter titled, "War is Peace" addresses totalitarianism and communism and gives a description of the permanent state of war. Ben astutely noted that the book outlines that all of the totalitarian control, surveillance, and reality control are efforts by the high class to maintain its grip on power, but in fact, it perpetuates the war without ever trying to win it. He further summarized that the government maintains enemies in order to justify holding onto power and repressing its citizens and does everything in its power to make sure that the citizens have no means of understanding what it is doing to them. We left off just as Julia arrives at the room in Mr. Charrington's store and although she shows no interest in reading the book, she encourages Winston to read it to her. I reminded Ben that I emailed a homework assignment to be completed b Tuesday, 4/22. He confirmed that he has the book in his bookbag and his mom thanked me for sending it, via email.

We discussed and reviewed the five main parts of a story - the characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution and how they provide the foundational structure that keeps readers engaged and invested in the narrative. We agreed that we are approaching the climax of the novel and how the language and events indicate the rising action. We continued reading and discussed what factors might have influenced Orwell's political thoughts.