Final Reflection

I based my essay off the assumption that language does affect thought. This was part of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis which we studied in TOK. However, this can be questioned with examples like people in vegetative states. They don’t have the abilities to use language anymore but they still have a conscious and are able to think. So instead of writing my essay from a one-sided view, I could expand my essay into how actions can induce thought as well since language is not its only vesicle. In the book, the very act of opening diary for Winston was rebellion, and the freedom to think. I would have also liked to expand more into Newspeak as Orwell wrote an appendix to explain his reasoning for creating this language. Giving more explanation would have been more convincing as Newspeak is the language of 1984; but this expansion would mean an unbalance in the essay. With more points and perspectives to support my research question, I believe the argument has become more convincing. As all fiction is rooted in reality, I saw the book in a new light after reading with an intention and realised the real-life events reflected within while writing it.

Interim Reflection

I need to consider what consequences my topic (language use manipulation) has in a more general sense rather than specific situations like with Trump or Brexit. Almost everyone uses language so there is a significance of understanding human relationships and the way language is used. The research done so far has been quite successful taking opinion articles or published journals discussing Orwell’s take on language and reality. However, there are not an abundance of sources out there so it has been a little in accumulating different opinions. Orwell’s own opinion pieces have helped me gain more insight in what he aimed to achieve through writing such a book. To understand how our perception may be unreliable takes a lot of abstract thinking because we can not physically fully understand the experience. Through imagining certain situation though, I think I have been able to grasp at the motive behind brainwashing and taking control of people’s minds through language.

Exit ticket EE day

One thing I learned is that I needed to specify my subtopics a little more as I was analysing two books – Animal Farm and 1984 – before which was a little too broad. Instead of using topics that could go into a lot of depth because of the amount of information that needs to be covered. After consulting with teachers, it was concluded that I should only use 1984 or place more emphasis on it when analysing. I also talked to my supervisor and we summarised my points from the research I had done during the day.

I am proud of all the research I had done. Time seemed to pass really fast when I was concentrating and it feels like I did not get much done but looking back, the quotes collected the information acquired is a decent amount that can get me started on my 1000 words. The research has also given me other ideas and have allowed me to modify my title slightly to one that is more specific which is now – “How does George Orwell use discourse in 1984 to shape and control the characters’ perception of reality?”

What I need to do next is to start writing my main body. My supervisor and I have agreed that I will write a brain dump for the decided 3 subtopics which I will hopefully draw my arguments from. The 1000 words doesn’t have to be the exact essay and can be an outline of the essay which I think is quite suitable for me since starting my essay may cause my essay to be unbalanced. I would want to change it anyway after I start the other parts so the best way is to develop the essay as a whole and uniformly.

#EEDay

Reflection #1

Having read a few of George Orwell’s books, I was interested in the themes of oppression and submission that trends throughout his books. After talking with my supervisor, we decided to go with “1984” and “Animal Farm” and investigate language, more specifically freedom of speech, since it’s prominently present in both books. Next came the question of how to structure the essay. Highlighting the contrasts between the two books  was chosen as this was the clearest structure. One difficulty in doing a literary analysis essay is the research done. My own analysis may not be enough so my supervisor suggested I find published articles where professionals donned their opinion on the matter. Finding the balance in where I’m not lifting too much off of these articles may be difficult. I think the next step is to find different types of resources if possible and re-reading the books for a deeper understanding and more delving into the use of language.

 

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