Dystopia: 1984

Two lessons using the opening of 1984 to introduce students to the features of dystopian fiction with a particular emphasis on Orwell’s use of pathetic fallacy in the introduction. The lesson sequence is as follows:
Lesson 1

1. Starter on what students think makes a perfect world.
2. Explanation of origin of term dystopia.
3. Examples of dystopian fiction for children.
4. Overview of 1984 without spoilers.
5. Analysis of techniques used in opening to establish the dystopian atmosphere of the novel.
6. Zoom in on Orwell’s use of pathetic fallacy. Students identify examples. Answers on slide.
7. Discussion regarding living in this kind of world.
   Lesson 2
8. Students return to their original thoughts on what makes a perfect world.
9. Narrative writing in preparation for AQA GCSE English Paper One Narrative Writing. Choice of writing a story about a perfect world or writing a story inspired by a picture of the Earth. Both with focus on using pathetic fallacy and sensory description.
   Folder includes 24 slide powerpoint and copy of extract of opening.
   Students are quite rightly fascinated by this amazing novel.