At the onset of class, we reviewed expectations regarding the homework assignment due Tuesday, which was emailed yesterday. We then discussed Orwell's use of the term 'proles,' which is short for proletariat and how they are portrayed by 'Big Brother' in the novel. We also read the 5 pages to finish Book I/Chapter VIII and Ben analyzed the quote spoken by the protagonist: "I understand HOW: I do not understand WHY." Ben demonstrated excellent understanding and synthesis when queried.
Ben and I reviewed expectation regarding the homework assignment he is to re-submit next week and is clear he has to add more detailed responses. As it was a fun Friday, we viewed a video 'The Dystopian World of 1984' which immersed us in Orwell's world of total totalitarianism where individualism is dead. Ben then identified the most descriptive literary references Orwell used to create the dark setting and atmosphere in the lunchroom in Chapter V - Ben cited the reference of sour bile and vomit Orwell used to describe the food)
45 We were able to print out Ben’s prior HW assignment with the help of his dad who resent it in an email. We then reviewed expectations for his current HW assignment as the date was extended as Ben had forgotten his book at school over the weekend; however, he did submit preliminary answers and thoughts with which to generate discussion and demonstrate his synthesis of the material and questions – and he was commended for making an effort and afforded the extension. We read Chapter V and discussed the setting when the protagonist (Winston) is in the Ministry of Truth dining hall at lunchtime. We selected various phrases and literary devices used by Orwell to paint a picture of the drab conditions and disgusting food. We also did a character analysis of the character with whom Winston ends up eating lunch. Winston notes that no one really has friends anymore, they have comrades. This character’s job is to help develop the Party's language, and we examined the reasons why Winston believes he will be ‘vaporized,’ with no record left to exist about his existence. Ben was asked to reflect on the symbolism of the razor blades. We agreed that the razor blades best represents free will, or an ability to shape your own world because rationing them as is done in the novel symbolizes the control or dictatorship that the state has over life.
Assignment
HW was emailed - it is to elaborate on the questions Ben answered but did not have his book to which to refer. He is to edit his answers using complete sentences to express his thoughts more thoroughly. We also reviewed expectations in clas
Ben answered the questions on his homework but admitted he forgot to bring home the novel so he answered with "conversation starters," planning to discuss them with me in greater detail in class to demonstrate his understanding. He received a B on the homework, as it was incomplete, but he made an effort to work on it, and he is to complete it and turn it in this Thursday, 1-16. Ben was reminded to send me a copy of his last assignment, and he did so while in class. He then took a brief ten question multiple choice assessment on which he answered 9 out of ten questions correctly (90%). I was extremely satisfied with his recall of the information from the subsequent chapters; he was only unsure of one question as he did not remember it well.
We began by reviewing expectations and I reminded Ben about his homework assignment due tomorrow and my request for him to email me a copy of last week's homework. We refreshed our memory as to where we left off last week and Ben's memory benefitted from prompting methods. We then read on in Chapter 4 which detailed the responsibilities of Winston's job. Ben was introduced to a test which covered the first 2 chapters and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It will be administered tomorrow after a brief review to refresh Ben's recall.
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Lesson Comments
Ben was very tired this morning. He said he did not sleep well at all. His dad came by to give him an energy drink but Ben was lethargic and difficult to actively engage.
We reviewed the literary devices and techniques Orwell used in Chapter 3 such as the paradoxical concept of 'Doublethink,' which Ben conceptualized as 'speech that is an almost form of hypnosis.' We discuss leitmotif in literature, which is a recurrent theme associated with a particular person, idea, or situation. Ben mentioned repetition as one such technique, such as Orwell mentioning boiled cabbage repeatedly. Symbolism is a frequently used technique used in Orwell's novel. We discussed how he uses it to depict the struggle of power and control within government. The main symbols thus far are Big Brother, the leader of the Party, who is depicted as omnipresent, all-powerful and all-knowing, and symbolizing authoritarianism, oppression, and control. I discussed Ben's homework assignment due next week and encouraged him to continue to deliver his responses to questions thoroughly, and in complete sentences as he did with the assignment turned in yesterday. I've also asked him to email me a copy and reminded him that he is off to a good start this semester as his compliance regarding assignments figures into his grade.
Ben turned in his homework assignment and did an excellent job answering the questions in accordance with directives. I commended him, noting how he met expectations and that I hope he continues to demonstrate and take responsibility for this aspect of course work which figures into his grade. We discussed his answers and Ben went into good detail and explanations, indicating good comprehension, synthesis and integration of the material. We then collaboratively read 12 additional pages in the novel (pages 25 -37) and read what the acronym 'INGSOC' stood for (English socialism). We discussed how several references represent the main motifs in the novel. Ben and I read the entirety of Chapter three, which discussed Winston's memory of his mother, his description of 'Doublethink,' and we ended with the description of the morning exercise Winston had to perform and which he despised. For his next homework assignment, Ben was given a choice of three options. He chose to answer the question addressing Winston's memory of his mother. The assignment will be due next Tuesday, 1-14-25. I am satisfied that Ben is following along as we read and has demonstrated good analysis of the material.
Assignment
In chapter 3, what do we learn of Winston's memory of his mother? Due Tuesday, 1-14-25.
Ben was eager to show me some of the gifts he received for the holidays and excitedly demonstrated two keyboards he made - highlighting their distinguishing features and capabilities. He said he was happy to return to school, however, because he grew bored being home for so long and welcomed returning to school. Next, we picked up where we left off prior to the break reading George Orwell's '1984' dystopian novel. We discussed the narrator's description of the main character's apartment where there was the distinct and usual smell of boiled cabbage, which has been common to the whole building. Ben will address the significance of this smell for his homework assignment. We examined different examples of Orwell's effective use of adjectives and descriptive language to paint a picture of gloom and despair which he intended to convey of the atmosphere and miserable conditions resulting from enforced repression and total government control.
Assignment
What is the significance of the numerous mentions of the prevalence of the boiled-cabbage smell in his dystopian novel, '1984.' This is due Thursday, 1/09/25.
