Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level – Excellence in English Language and Literature
How did you fi nd it?
Things you might have enjoyed about the text
• Although it was written over 70 years ago, the message is still valid. Totalitarian regimes exist in the twenty-fi rst century and Orwell’s warnings against the dangers of this type of government still ring true
• The plot is thrilling at times, particularly when Winston and Julia are arrested by the Thought Police
• Although the ending is bleak and depressing, there is still a note of hope in Winston and Julia’s love for one another. It is only under the most extreme torture that Winston betrays Julia
• The novel raises interesting questions about the nature of language and may encourage us to read more in order to ensure we can develop and express complex thoughts
Things you might not have enjoyed about the text
• The novel is bleak and depressing and offers little hope for the future or for the idea that love can conquer all
• The descriptions of cruelty and violence are graphic and off-putting
• Winston’s attitude towards Julia in the early stages of the novel is deeply disturbing: he fantasises about raping and killing her
