06/05/2020
Emily Ng
Period 7
Aim: How is connotation, denotation, and paradox explicated through Orwell’s “doublethink”? (Part I)
Do Now: Analyze the images below. Record the feelings you have/associate/identify with each of the “6” images.
The first set of images depicts a moth and a butterfly. We often associate moths with dullness and dislike, however we view butterflies as more appealing and colorful. Then, the second set of images depicts an average white car and a sports car. From these two images, we can observe that the white car is more average, suburban, and practical for everyday use. However, the sportscar is a symbol of luxury, wealthiness, and status. Finally, the third set of images displayed two conditions of houses. The first house looked modern, middle-class, suburban home, however the second photo displays a house in poor conditions that may have succumbed to neglect, abandonment, or damage. This Do Now activity aided the understanding of how similar things can still contrast each other regarding an audiences’ emotions and stereotypes that are applied.
Connotation, Denotation, and Paradox:
Connotation and denotation are two aspects of the same sign and are often used to counteract each other in literacy. Connotation refers to the human emotion, social undertones, or cultural implications that people often associate with something. Often, connotation depicts emotional connections to words that may be both positive and negative. On the other hand, denotation refers to the textbook definition or the literal meaning of something. We can differentiate and analyze these two aspects by looking at the prefixes. For example, in connotation we can observe “connote” with “feelings” or “emotions”, whereas denotation can refer “denote” with “dictionary”.
The term paradox is of Greek origin and derived from the word, “paradoxon”, which ultimately means contrary to expectations and perceived opinions. In literacy, paradox often represents a statement that is self-contradictory or appears to be connecting two ends of a spectrum. For instance, when discussing paradox in 1984 by George Orwell, we are able to identify them in phrases such as, “war is peace”, “freedom is slavery”, or “ignorance is strength”.
In class, we reviewed a scene from the movie, “Labyrinth”. The scene represents an example of a paradox because Sarah was stuck in a part of the labyrinth and had to differentiate the two doors, one leading to the castle in the center or one ultimately leading to her death. Two guards are posted outside the doors, one is truthful and one always lies. The paradox is, despite one guard being capable of telling the truth, the outcome would always be a lie.
Class Discussion:
Consider all of the emphasis we have been placing on “Doublethink.” Do you believe that George Orwell would think we were crazy or just wasting a great deal of time focusing on this topic? Why/Why Not?
We discussed that Orwell does not think we are wasting our time focusing on the topic of doublethink because it refers back to his sole message in 1984. Doublethink is when a person or society accepts contrary opinions and beliefs simultaneously, often is a result of political indoctrination. Thus, when Orwell was publishing 1984, it was meant to bring awareness to how a tyrannical government controls and interferes with everyday society. Consequently, applying and understanding doublethink is a way to combat oppressive control and allows society to be opinionated, aware of the different circumstances, and think freely for themselves.
Aim: How can we analyze the symbolism in Winston Churchill’s name? (Part II)
Do Now: Why did Orwell name his protagonist partially after him? How do they compare (Winston Churchill and Winston Smith)?
Winston Churchill was a political leader during World War II who opposed the oppressive and tyrannical governments occurring in global nations. He was known for fighting for the freedom and liberating these corrupt powers. Winston Smith can be compared to this because he also wants to gain freedom from the corruption of Big Brother.
Group Work:
After analyzing the symbolism of “Winston,” what deductions can you make about “Smith”? Why these names together?
Winston Churchill was the prime minister of Britain during the World War II era. Churchill was known for his inspiring speeches and strong leadership power. In addition, Smith is a common English last name. So, Orwell took inspiration from the name Winston to symbolize leadership and strength and chose Smith to represent the common man. Thus, while you combine the two names, it symbolizes the strength of the common man who makes an effort for change in society.
What is Orwell’s message to the reader by creating the character of Winston?
By creating the character of Wisnton, Orwell is trying to advise the reader of how common people are capable of standing up for themselves and against an abusive authority.
Reflection:
During these two lessons, I learned how the literary aspects of Orwell’s writing strongly contributed to his broader message. More specifically, connotation, denotation, and paradox were crucial towards the development of the phrase “doublethink”. Orwell’s initial purpose of utilizing the phrase doublethink was to allow readers to question society for what it is and how authority contributes to our living conditions. Evidently, the use of connotation, denotation, and paradox can transform literary work by factoring the reader’s association to emotions, the literal definition, and contradictory statements. In addition, I also learned how Orwell incorporated significant historical events from his era into his development of characters. It was noted that Orwell utilized Winston Churchill as inspiration for Winston Smith in the book. It connects the two realities Orwell created by offering a constant theme of how a common man can transform and make change in society by pushing towards freedom.
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