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Essays on 1984

Hook examples for "1984" essays, the dystopian warning hook.

Open your essay by discussing George Orwell's "1984" as a prophetic warning against totalitarianism and government surveillance. Explore how the novel's themes are eerily relevant in today's world.

The Orwellian Language Hook

Delve into the concept of Newspeak in "1984" and its parallels to modern language manipulation. Discuss how the novel's portrayal of controlled language reflects real-world instances of propaganda and censorship.

Big Brother is Watching Hook

Begin with a focus on surveillance and privacy concerns. Analyze the omnipresent surveillance in the novel and draw connections to contemporary debates over surveillance technologies, data privacy, and civil liberties.

The Power of Doublethink Hook

Explore the psychological manipulation in "1984" through the concept of doublethink. Discuss how individuals in the novel are coerced into accepting contradictory beliefs, and examine instances of cognitive dissonance in society today.

The Character of Winston Smith Hook

Introduce your readers to the protagonist, Winston Smith, and his journey of rebellion against the Party. Analyze his character development and the universal theme of resistance against oppressive regimes.

Technology and Control Hook

Discuss the role of technology in "1984" and its implications for control. Explore how advancements in surveillance technology, social media, and artificial intelligence resonate with the novel's themes of control and manipulation.

The Ministry of Truth Hook

Examine the Ministry of Truth in the novel, responsible for rewriting history. Compare this to the manipulation of information and historical revisionism in contemporary politics and media.

Media Manipulation and Fake News Hook

Draw parallels between the Party's manipulation of information in "1984" and the spread of misinformation and fake news in today's media landscape. Discuss the consequences of a distorted reality.

Relevance of Thoughtcrime Hook

Explore the concept of thoughtcrime and its impact on individual freedom in the novel. Discuss how society today grapples with issues related to freedom of thought, expression, and censorship.

Individuality in "1984" by George Orwell

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Effects of "Utopia-esque" Societies on People

George orwell’s representation of authority as illustrated in his book, 1984, orwell's use of literary devices to portray the theme of totalitarianism in 1984, the culture of fear in 1984, a novel by george orwell, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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1984 by George Orwell: Literary Devices to Portray Government Controlling Its Citizens

The use of language to control people in 1984, dictatorship of the people: orwell's 1984 as an allegory for the early soviet union, searching for truth in 1984, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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A World Without Love: The Ramifications of an Affectionless Society in 1984

On double-think and newspeak: orwell's language, the theme of survival and selfishness in the handmaid's tale in 1984, government surveillance in 1984 by george orwell: bogus security, george orwell's 1984 as a historical allegory, exploitation of language in george orwell's 1984, how orwell's 1984 is relevant to today's audience, the relation of orwel’s 1984 to the uighur conflict in china, symbolism in 1984: the soviet union as representation of the fears people, parallels to today in 1984 by george orwell, the relationship between power and emotions in 1984, proletariat vs protagonist: winston smith's class conflict in 1984, a review of george orwell’s book, 1984, o'brien as a dehumanizing villain in 1984, family in 1984 and persepolis, the philosophy of determinism in 1984, orwell's use of rhetorical strategies in 1984, control the citizens in the orwell's novel 1984, dangers of totalitarianism as depicted in 1984, dystopian life in '1984' was a real-life in china.

8 June 1949, George Orwell

Novel; Dystopia, Political Fiction, Social Science Fiction Novel

Winston Smith, Julia, O'Brien, Aaronson, Jones, and Rutherford, Ampleforth, Charrington, Tom Parsons, Syme, Mrs. Parsons, Katharine Smith

Since Orwell has been a democratic socialist, he has modelled his book and motives after the Stalinist Russia

Power, Repressive Behaviors, Totalitarianism, Mass Surveillance, Human Behaviors

The novel has brought up the "Orwellian" term, which stands for "Big Brother" "Thoughtcrime" and many other terms that we know well. It has been the reflection of totalitarianism

1984 represents a dystopian writing that has followed the life of Winston Smith who belongs to the "Party",which stands for the total control, which is also known as the Big Brother. It controls every aspect of people's lives. Is it ever possible to go against the system or will it take even more control. It constantly follows the fear and oppression with the surveillance being the main part of 1984. There is Party’s official O’Brien who is following the resistance movement, which represents an alternative, which is the symbol of hope.

Before George Orwell wrote his famous book, he worked for the BBC as the propagandist during World War II. The novel has been named 1980, then 1982 before finally settling on its name. Orwell fought tuberculosis while writing the novel. He died seven months after 1984 was published. Orwell almost died during the boating trip while he was writing the novel. Orwell himself has been under government surveillance. It was because of his socialist opinions. The slogan that the book uses "2 + 2 = 5" originally came from Communist Russia and stood for the five-year plan that had to be achieved during only four years. Orwell also used various Japanese propaganda when writing his novel, precisely his "Thought Police" idea.

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” “Being in a minority, even in a minority of one, did not make you mad. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.” “Confession is not betrayal. What you say or do doesn't matter; only feelings matter. If they could make me stop loving you-that would be the real betrayal.” “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” "But you could not have pure love or pure lust nowadays. No emotion was pure, because everything was mixed up with fear and hatred."

The most important aspect of 1984 is Thought Police, which controls every thought. It has been featured in numerous books, plays, music pieces, poetry, and anything that has been created when one had to deal with Social Science and Politics. Another factor that represents culmination is thinking about overthrowing the system or trying to organize a resistance movement. It has numerous reflections of the post WW2 world. Although the novella is graphic and quite intense, it portrays dictatorship and is driven by fear through the lens of its characters.

This essay topic is often used when writing about “The Big Brother” or totalitarian regimes, which makes 1984 a flexible topic that can be taken as the foundation. Even if you have to write about the use of fear by the political regimes, knowing the facts about this novel will help you to provide an example.

1. Enteen, G. M. (1984). George Orwell And the Theory of Totalitarianism: A 1984 Retrospective. The Journal of General Education, 36(3), 206-215. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/27797000) 2. Hughes, I. (2021). 1984. Literary Cultures, 4(2). (https://journals.ntu.ac.uk/index.php/litc/article/view/340) 3. Patai, D. (1982). Gamesmanship and Androcentrism in Orwell's 1984. PMLA, 97(5), 856-870. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/gamesmanship-and-androcentrism-in-orwells-1984/F1B026BE9D97EE0114E248AA733B189D) 4. Paden, R. (1984). Surveillance and Torture: Foucault and Orwell on the Methods of Discipline. Social Theory and Practice, 10(3), 261-271. (https://www.pdcnet.org/soctheorpract/content/soctheorpract_1984_0010_0003_0261_0272) 5. Tyner, J. A. (2004). Self and space, resistance and discipline: a Foucauldian reading of George Orwell's 1984. Social & Cultural Geography, 5(1), 129-149. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1464936032000137966) 6. Kellner, D. (1990). From 1984 to one-dimensional man: Critical reflections on Orwell and Marcuse. Current Perspectives in Social Theory, 10, 223-52. (https://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/kellner/essays/from1984toonedimensional.pdf) 7. Samuelson, P. (1984). Good legal writing: of Orwell and window panes. U. Pitt. L. Rev., 46, 149. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/upitt46&div=13&id=&page=) 8. Fadaee, E. (2011). Translation techniques of figures of speech: A case study of George Orwell's" 1984 and Animal Farm. Journal of English and Literature, 2(8), 174-181. (https://academicjournals.org/article/article1379427897_Fadaee.pdf) 9. Patai, D. (1984, January). Orwell's despair, Burdekin's hope: Gender and power in dystopia. In Women's Studies International Forum (Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 85-95). Pergamon. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0277539584900621) 10. Cole, M. B. (2022). The Desperate Radicalism of Orwell’s 1984: Power, Socialism, and Utopia in Dystopian Times. Political Research Quarterly, 10659129221083286. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10659129221083286)

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Mastering the Art of Crafting a Powerful 1984 Thesis Statement

In the world of literary analysis, one novel has remained a towering figure for over 70 years: George Orwell’s “1984”. Its chilling portrayal of a dystopian society controlled by a powerful party leaves readers spellbound and sparks endless discussions and studies. However, crafting a strong thesis statement about this masterpiece is no easy task. But fear not, for in this article, we will show you how to create a rock-solid thesis statement that will captivate your readers and set the tone for your entire essay.

Before we dive into the finer details of creating a magnificent thesis statement, let’s step back for a moment and analyze the key themes and ideas that make “1984” such a thought-provoking piece of literature. At its core, the novel is about the controlling power of language and the manipulation of history by the ruling party. As readers, we are forced to confront our own thoughts and confront the terrifying possibility of losing our freedom and identity.

So, how can we craft a thesis statement that captures the essence of this powerful novel? First, it is important to have a clear understanding of the main character, Winston Smith, and his struggle against the oppressive party. Your thesis statement should be able to effectively convey the theme of rebellion and the consequences of individual thoughts in a society determined to suppress them.

To help you on this journey, let’s explore some examples of strong thesis statements about “1984”. Remember, a strong thesis statement gives direction to your essay and leaves no room for weak or mediocre analysis. Here are two examples to get you started:

• “In George Orwell’s ‘1984’, the character of Winston Smith serves as a symbol of resistance against the party’s oppressive regime, highlighting the power of individual thought in a society ruled by fear and manipulation.”
• “Through the character of O’Brien, Orwell explores the sinister motivations behind the party’s control and the dangers of unchecked power in ‘1984’, ultimately illustrating the futility of rebellion against an all-powerful entity.”

As you can see, these examples not only focus on the central theme and character of the novel but also present a clear argument that can be explored and supported throughout your essay. They provide a solid foundation for a captivating and well-structured analysis, keeping your readers engaged from start to finish.

Need help with your thesis statement or writing in general? Kibin is here to lend a helping hand. Our team of experienced editors provides expert advice and guidance to students just like you. Don’t let weak writing spoil your essay; let Kibin help you take it to the next level. Tags: 1984, analysis, essays, George Orwell, literary analysis, thesis statements.

A Sample Weak Thesis

“In George Orwell’s 1984, the party’s use of propaganda is scary-good.”

This weak thesis statement lacks clarity and specificity. It does not provide a clear focus or direction for the essay, making it difficult for the reader to understand what the author intends to analyze.

Another issue with this weak thesis statement is its lack of depth. The statement simply states that the party’s use of propaganda is scary-good without further expanding on this claim. It does not provide any analysis or identify the specific qualities that make the propaganda in 1984 powerful.

In order to create a stronger and more powerful thesis statement, it is important to analyze the language, character development, and historical context of 1984. A rock-solid thesis statement will be able to withstand thorough analysis and provide a clearer and more insightful focus for the essay.

Understanding the Importance of a Strong Thesis Statement

One example of a strong thesis statement for a 1984 essay might be: “By analyzing the character of O’Brien and the Party’s control of language, this essay will demonstrate how the Party seeks to control and manipulate people’s thoughts.” This thesis statement not only identifies the key elements to be discussed in the essay (O’Brien and language control), but also provides a clear focus on the theme of power and control in the novel.

To craft a stronger thesis statement, you may want to consider approaching it from a different angle or focus on a different aspect of the novel. For instance, you could analyze the role of propaganda in controlling the masses or examine the importance of history and its manipulation by the Party.

In order to create an outstanding thesis statement, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the novel and its themes. Take the time to do some close reading and thoughtfully analyze the characters, language, and literary devices used in 1984. This will help you identify the finer details and subtleties that can make your thesis statement even stronger.

Don’t be afraid to check out some sample essays or seek help from resources like Kibin. They’re a great way to get a better sense of what a powerful thesis statement looks like and how it can be supported throughout your essay.

Analyzing the Elements of a Powerful Thesis Statement

Identifying the theme, character, and irony.

In order to create a powerful thesis statement for your analysis of 1984, it is important to first identify the key elements of the novel. This includes understanding the theme of the novel, the development of the main character, as well as the use of irony throughout the story. By focusing on these elements, you can expand your analysis and create a stronger thesis statement.

Analysis of Propaganda and Control

One of the most important aspects of 1984 is its exploration of propaganda and the party’s control over its citizens. A powerful thesis statement will delve into the finer details of how the party uses propaganda to manipulate its citizens and maintain control. By analyzing examples from the novel, you can create a thesis statement that goes beyond a simple observation and provides a deeper understanding of the themes and messages of the book.

The Role of O’Brien and the Father in 1984

Another way to create a powerful thesis statement is to focus on the role of specific characters in the novel, such as O’Brien and the father. By examining their actions and motivations, you can analyze how they contribute to the overall themes and messages of the book. This gives your thesis statement more depth and makes it more engaging for your reader.

Check out this sample thesis statement for a better idea of what a powerful thesis statement looks like:

“In George Orwell’s 1984, the party’s use of propaganda and control tactics, as exemplified through the character of O’Brien, reveals the damning consequences of a totalitarian regime on individual freedom and the human spirit.”

By analyzing the different elements of 1984 and crafting a rock-solid thesis statement, you will be well on your way to writing an outstanding analysis essay that gives justice to Orwell’s magnificent work.

So don’t forget to analyze the history, themes, and literary qualities of the novel, and above all, make sure your thesis statement is strong and powerful. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to create a thesis statement that is both scary-good and propels your essay to new heights.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the task of writing a powerful thesis statement. With the right approach and a bit of practice, you can master the art of crafting strong and impactful statements. So go out there and create something outstanding!

For more examples and tips on writing a powerful thesis statement, check out the Kibin blog.

Now that you know what makes a powerful thesis statement, 1, 2, 3, get out there and start crafting your own! Good luck!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crafting a 1984 Thesis Statement

1. losing focus on the party’s controlling language.

One common mistake is losing focus on the Party’s controlling language. The way the Party uses language to manipulate and control the thoughts of its citizens is a central theme in 1984. When crafting your thesis statement, be sure to address how the Party’s manipulation of language shapes the world of the novel.

2. Crafting Mediocre Statements without Analysis

Another mistake is crafting mediocre thesis statements without thorough analysis. A powerful thesis statement should go beyond stating the obvious. Instead, it should offer a unique perspective or interpretation of the novel. Be sure to analyze the text and provide evidence to support your claims.

For example, instead of a statement like “1984 is about the dangers of totalitarianism,” try something more specific and engaging like “In 1984, Orwell uses the character of O’Brien to symbolize the Party’s absolute control and the loss of individual freedom.”

3. Ignoring the Father-Son Relationship as a Key Theme

Many writers overlook the importance of the father-son relationship in 1984. The strained relationship between Winston and his own father serves as a symbol for the Party’s ability to destroy familial bonds and control the emotions of its citizens. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this theme in your thesis statement.

For example, you could craft a thesis statement like “In 1984, the Party’s control over the father-son relationship reveals the devastating effects of totalitarianism on familial connections and personal identity.”

4. Failing to Craft an Outline before Writing

One mistake that can lead to a weak thesis statement is failing to craft an outline before diving into the writing process. Without a clear plan, your ideas may be scattered and your thesis may lack coherence. Take the time to outline your main points and the evidence you will use to support them. This will help you create a stronger and more focused thesis statement.

Remember, the purpose of a thesis statement is to guide the direction of your essay and provide a clear argument. Don’t rush through this step!

Why is a strong thesis statement important in an essay?

A strong thesis statement is important in an essay because it gives the reader a clear understanding of the main point or argument of the essay. It helps to provide direction and focus to the essay, making it easier for the reader to follow and comprehend the content.

What are the key characteristics of a powerful thesis statement?

A powerful thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific. It should clearly state the main point or argument of the essay and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow. Additionally, a strong thesis statement should be arguable, meaning that it can be supported or refuted with evidence and analysis.

How can I craft a powerful thesis statement for an essay on the novel “1984”?

To craft a powerful thesis statement for an essay on the novel “1984,” you can focus on a specific theme or aspect of the novel and make a strong argument about it. For example, you can argue that the manipulation of language and the control of information are powerful tools of oppression in the novel. Your thesis statement can then outline the evidence and analysis you will use to support your argument.

Can a thesis statement be longer than one sentence?

Yes, a thesis statement can be longer than one sentence. While it is generally recommended to keep the thesis statement concise, sometimes a more complex argument may require multiple sentences to fully articulate the main point or argument. However, it is important to ensure that each sentence contributes to the overall clarity and coherence of the thesis statement.

What should I do if I’m struggling to come up with a powerful thesis statement?

If you’re struggling to come up with a powerful thesis statement, it can be helpful to first brainstorm and gather your thoughts on the topic. Consider the main points or arguments you want to make in your essay and try to identify a central theme or focus. From there, you can draft a few different versions of a thesis statement and then choose the one that best captures your main argument and provides a clear roadmap for your essay.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a concise and clear statement that presents the main argument or point of view of an essay or research paper. It is usually placed at the end of the introduction and serves as a guide for the reader throughout the entire piece of writing.

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Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

by George Orwell

1984 study guide.

In 1984 , George Orwell presents his vision of dystopia, a world consisting of three massive totalitarian states constantly at war with each other and using technological advancements to keep their respective Party members and masses under careful observation and control. Written in 1948 and published in 1949, this novel is often touted as one of the greatest novels written in the English language.

In writing the work, Orwell was influenced and inspired by totalitarian regimes of the time, including Hitler's Nazi Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union. Both regimes glorified their respective leaders as demi-gods and saviors, required the destruction of all individuality in order to promote the Party's needs over the individual's, demanded absolute loyalty from their citizens, and resorted to violence whenever disloyalty was suspected. Moreover, both regimes consistently demonized their enemies, just as the Party and Big Brother do in 1984 , through the Two Minutes Hate, Hate Week, and daily mass propaganda. Other parallels include the Thought Police as a reinvention of the Gestapo, NKVD (People's Comissariat for Internal Affairs), which orchestrated large scale purges and terror, and the Spies and Youth League as a reinvention of the Hitler Youth and the Little Octoberists, which indoctrinated young people to the Party and encouraged them to report disloyalty observed in their elders, even among family members.

The similarities between 1984 's Oceania and Stalin's regime are particularly striking. Like Stalin, the Oceanian government embraces characteristics of both fascist and communist authoritarianism: the former glorifies the wisdom of the leader, and the latter, the infallibility of the Party. We can see both trends in 1984 , where Big Brother (albeit apparently a fictitious entity) is worshipped as a wise and loving leader, and the Party is practically structured around its own supposed infallibility. In addition, many of the particulars of the Oceanian system, such as the Three-Year Plans and the forced labor camps, appear to be thinly veiled allusions to aspects of Stalin's rule. It is even often suggested that Oceania's Big Brother, with his dark hair and heavy mustache, is inspired by the larger-than-life images of Josef Stalin's visage so commonly seen in the Soviet Union.

Orwell's time working with the Indian Imperial Police in Burma introduced him to the shameful activities of the British in the Far East, and appears to have encouraged his exploration of the lives of the urban poor. After returning to Europe, Orwell continued to focus on this subject and began to develop a vague distrust of machine-age capitalist society that later blossomed into a firm adherence to Socialism, bolstered by his time working with the revolutionary Marxist POUM (Partido Obrero de Unificacion Marxista, or Worker's Party of Marxist Unification), the dissident faction of the Spanish Communist party. However, when the Stalin-backed Communists turned on their far-left anarchist allies and labeled POUM pro-fascist, Orwell fled to avoid prison, or worse, death. This experience taught Orwell the danger of abandoning true Socialist revolutionary ideals, and he developed both a fixation on totalitarianism and an abhorrence for Stalinist Communism, both of which are clearly expressed in 1984 . World War II's introduction of totalitarianism through fascist and communist regimes solidified Orwell's hatred of the ideology.

During the war, Orwell was equally unimpressed by his experience in Britain. From 1940-1943, Orwell was employed by the BBC, under the control of the British Ministry of Information, which served as inspiration for Winston's position at the Ministry of Truth, and perhaps for Newspeak. In this capacity, Orwell witnessed the propagation of stories glorifying Britain's triumphs while the British Empire was simultaneously steadily declining. This type of disconnect between reality and the information disseminated to the public clearly makes its way into the novel.

It is unclear to what extent Orwell believed 1984 to be an accurate prediction of the future, but many critics agree that he wrote the book as a warning to modern society of the damage that can come from embracing totalitarian regimes. The novel mourns the loss of personal identity while demonstrating how to effectively rid a person of their independence, particularly through extensive sexual repression and the prohibition of individual thought. Many of the concepts and themes presented in 1984 have steadily made their way into the common vernacular. For instance, the phrase "Big Brother" is often used to refer to the advancement and expansion of technology used to observe and record behavior, such as video cameras placed on city streets and government monitoring of phone and Internet communication. The adjective "Orwellian" is also commonly used to describe such real-world developments reminiscent of 1984 .

Orwell wrote 1984 while seriously ill with tuberculosis, and afterward commented that had he not been so ill, the book might not have been so bleak. To his consternation, after its publication, 1984 was used as propaganda itself, especially by Western forces in post-World War II Germany. Much later, there were many attempts to censor the novel, particularly on the grounds that it contains pro-Communist material and sexual references. The book has also been adapted to both television shows and movies, and has served as inspiration for a variety of other artistic endeavors, such as David Bowie's Diamond Dogs album, which includes a song titled 1984 .

1984 Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for 1984 is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Describe O’Briens apartment and lifestyle. How do they differ from Winston’s?

From the text:

It was only on very rare occasions that one saw inside the dwelling-places of the Inner Party, or even penetrated into the quarter of the town where they lived. The whole atmosphere of the huge block of flats, the richness and...

What was the result of Washington exam

Sorry, I'm not sure what you are asking here.

how is one put into the inner or outer party in the book 1984

The Outer Party is a huge government bureaucracy. They hold positions of trust but are largely responsible for keeping the totalitarian structure of Big Brother functional. The Outer Party numbers around 18 to 19 percent of the population and the...

Study Guide for 1984

1984 study guide contains a biography of George Orwell, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• 1984 Summary
• Character List

Essays for 1984

1984 essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of 1984 by George Orwell.

• The Reflection of George Orwell
• Totalitarian Collectivism in 1984, or, Big Brother Loves You
• Sex as Rebellion
• Class Ties: The Dealings of Human Nature Depicted through Social Classes in 1984
• 1984: The Ultimate Parody of the Utopian World

Lesson Plan for 1984

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to 1984
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• 1984 Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for 1984

• Introduction
• Writing and publication

Doublethink Is Stronger Than Orwell Imagined

What 1984 means today

No novel of the past century has had more influence than George Orwell’s 1984 . The title, the adjectival form of the author’s last name, the vocabulary of the all-powerful Party that rules the superstate Oceania with the ideology of Ingsoc— doublethink , memory hole , unperson , thoughtcrime , Newspeak , Thought Police , Room 101 , Big Brother —they’ve all entered the English language as instantly recognizable signs of a nightmare future. It’s almost impossible to talk about propaganda, surveillance, authoritarian politics, or perversions of truth without dropping a reference to 1984. Throughout the Cold War, the novel found avid underground readers behind the Iron Curtain who wondered, How did he know?

It was also assigned reading for several generations of American high-school students. I first encountered 1984 in 10th-grade English class. Orwell’s novel was paired with Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World , whose hedonistic and pharmaceutical dystopia seemed more relevant to a California teenager in the 1970s than did the bleak sadism of Oceania. I was too young and historically ignorant to understand where 1984 came from and exactly what it was warning against. Neither the book nor its author stuck with me. In my 20s, I discovered Orwell’s essays and nonfiction books and reread them so many times that my copies started to disintegrate, but I didn’t go back to 1984 . Since high school, I’d lived through another decade of the 20th century, including the calendar year of the title, and I assumed I already “knew” the book. It was too familiar to revisit.

Read: Teaching ‘1984’ in 2016

So when I recently read the novel again, I wasn’t prepared for its power. You have to clear away what you think you know, all the terminology and iconography and cultural spin-offs, to grasp the original genius and lasting greatness of 1984 . It is both a profound political essay and a shocking, heartbreaking work of art. And in the Trump era , it’s a best seller .

The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984 , by the British music critic Dorian Lynskey, makes a rich and compelling case for the novel as the summation of Orwell’s entire body of work and a master key to understanding the modern world. The book was published in 1949, when Orwell was dying of tuberculosis , but Lynskey dates its biographical sources back more than a decade to Orwell’s months in Spain as a volunteer on the republican side of the country’s civil war. His introduction to totalitarianism came in Barcelona, when agents of the Soviet Union created an elaborate lie to discredit Trotskyists in the Spanish government as fascist spies.

Left-wing journalists readily accepted the fabrication, useful as it was to the cause of communism. Orwell didn’t, exposing the lie with eyewitness testimony in journalism that preceded his classic book Homage to Catalonia —and that made him a heretic on the left. He was stoical about the boredom and discomforts of trench warfare—he was shot in the neck and barely escaped Spain with his life—but he took the erasure of truth hard. It threatened his sense of what makes us sane, and life worth living. “History stopped in 1936,” he later told his friend Arthur Koestler, who knew exactly what Orwell meant. After Spain, just about everything he wrote and read led to the creation of his final masterpiece. “History stopped,” Lynskey writes, “and Nineteen Eighty-Four began.”

The biographical story of 1984 —the dying man’s race against time to finish his novel in a remote cottage on the Isle of Jura , off Scotland—will be familiar to many Orwell readers. One of Lynskey’s contributions is to destroy the notion that its terrifying vision can be attributed to, and in some way disregarded as, the death wish of a tuberculosis patient. In fact, terminal illness roused in Orwell a rage to live—he got remarried on his deathbed—just as the novel’s pessimism is relieved, until its last pages, by Winston Smith’s attachment to nature, antique objects, the smell of coffee, the sound of a proletarian woman singing, and above all his lover, Julia. 1984 is crushingly grim, but its clarity and rigor are stimulants to consciousness and resistance. According to Lynskey, “Nothing in Orwell’s life and work supports a diagnosis of despair.”

Lynskey traces the literary genesis of 1984 to the utopian fictions of the optimistic 19th century—Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward (1888); the sci-fi novels of H. G. Wells, which Orwell read as a boy—and their dystopian successors in the 20th, including the Russian Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We (1924) and Huxley’s Brave New World (1932). The most interesting pages in The Ministry of Truth are Lynskey’s account of the novel’s afterlife. The struggle to claim 1984 began immediately upon publication, with a battle over its political meaning. Conservative American reviewers concluded that Orwell’s main target wasn’t just the Soviet Union but the left generally. Orwell, fading fast, waded in with a statement explaining that the novel was not an attack on any particular government but a satire of the totalitarian tendencies in Western society and intellectuals: “The moral to be drawn from this dangerous nightmare situation is a simple one: Don’t let it happen. It depends on you .” But every work of art escapes the artist’s control—the more popular and complex, the greater the misunderstandings.

Lynskey’s account of the reach of 1984 is revelatory. The novel has inspired movies, television shows, plays, a ballet, an opera, a David Bowie album , imitations, parodies, sequels, rebuttals, Lee Harvey Oswald, the Black Panther Party, and the John Birch Society. It has acquired something of the smothering ubiquity of Big Brother himself: 1984 is watching you. With the arrival of the year 1984, the cultural appropriations rose to a deafening level. That January an ad for the Apple Macintosh was watched by 96 million people during the Super Bowl and became a marketing legend. The Mac, represented by a female athlete, hurls a sledgehammer at a giant telescreen and explodes the shouting face of a man—oppressive technology—to the astonishment of a crowd of gray zombies. The message: “You’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984.’ ”

The argument recurs every decade or so: Orwell got it wrong. Things haven’t turned out that bad. The Soviet Union is history. Technology is liberating. But Orwell never intended his novel to be a prediction, only a warning. And it’s as a warning that 1984 keeps finding new relevance. The week of Donald Trump’s inauguration, when the president’s adviser Kellyanne Conway justified his false crowd estimate by using the phrase alternative facts , the novel returned to the best-seller lists. A theatrical adaptation was rushed to Broadway. The vocabulary of Newspeak went viral. An authoritarian president who stood the term fake news on its head, who once said, “What you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening,” has given 1984 a whole new life.

What does the novel mean for us? Not Room 101 in the Ministry of Love, where Winston is interrogated and tortured until he loses everything he holds dear. We don’t live under anything like a totalitarian system. “By definition, a country in which you are free to read Nineteen Eighty-Four is not the country described in Nineteen Eighty-Four ,” Lynskey acknowledges. Instead, we pass our days under the nonstop surveillance of a telescreen that we bought at the Apple Store, carry with us everywhere, and tell everything to, without any coercion by the state. The Ministry of Truth is Facebook, Google, and cable news. We have met Big Brother and he is us.

Trump’s election brought a rush of cautionary books with titles like On Tyranny , Fascism: A Warning , and How Fascism Works . My local bookstore set up a totalitarian-themed table and placed the new books alongside 1984 . They pointed back to the 20th century—if it happened in Germany, it could happen here—and warned readers how easily democracies collapse. They were alarm bells against complacency and fatalism—“ the politics of inevitability ,” in the words of the historian Timothy Snyder, “a sense that the future is just more of the present, that the laws of progress are known, that there are no alternatives, and therefore nothing really to be done.” The warnings were justified, but their emphasis on the mechanisms of earlier dictatorships drew attention away from the heart of the malignancy—not the state, but the individual. The crucial issue was not that Trump might abolish democracy but that Americans had put him in a position to try. Unfreedom today is voluntary. It comes from the bottom up.

We are living with a new kind of regime that didn’t exist in Orwell’s time. It combines hard nationalism—the diversion of frustration and cynicism into xenophobia and hatred—with soft distraction and confusion: a blend of Orwell and Huxley, cruelty and entertainment. The state of mind that the Party enforces through terror in 1984 , where truth becomes so unstable that it ceases to exist, we now induce in ourselves. Totalitarian propaganda unifies control over all information, until reality is what the Party says it is—the goal of Newspeak is to impoverish language so that politically incorrect thoughts are no longer possible. Today the problem is too much information from too many sources, with a resulting plague of fragmentation and division—not excessive authority but its disappearance, which leaves ordinary people to work out the facts for themselves, at the mercy of their own prejudices and delusions.

During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, propagandists at a Russian troll farm used social media to disseminate a meme: “ ‘The People Will Believe What the Media Tells Them They Believe.’  — George Orwell.” But Orwell never said this. The moral authority of his name was stolen and turned into a lie toward that most Orwellian end: the destruction of belief in truth. The Russians needed partners in this effort and found them by the millions, especially among America’s non-elites. In 1984 , working-class people are called “proles,” and Winston believes they’re the only hope for the future. As Lynskey points out, Orwell didn’t foresee “that the common man and woman would embrace doublethink as enthusiastically as the intellectuals and, without the need for terror or torture, would choose to believe that two plus two was whatever they wanted it to be.”

We stagger under the daily load of doublethink pouring from Trump, his enablers in the Inner Party, his mouthpieces in the Ministry of Truth, and his fanatical supporters among the proles. Spotting doublethink in ourselves is much harder. “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle,” Orwell wrote . In front of my nose, in the world of enlightened and progressive people where I live and work, a different sort of doublethink has become pervasive. It’s not the claim that true is fake or that two plus two makes five. Progressive doublethink—which has grown worse in reaction to the right-wing kind—creates a more insidious unreality because it operates in the name of all that is good. Its key word is justice —a word no one should want to live without. But today the demand for justice forces you to accept contradictions that are the essence of doublethink.

For example, many on the left now share an unacknowledged but common assumption that a good work of art is made of good politics and that good politics is a matter of identity. The progressive view of a book or play depends on its political stance, and its stance—even its subject matter—is scrutinized in light of the group affiliation of the artist: Personal identity plus political position equals aesthetic value. This confusion of categories guides judgments all across the worlds of media, the arts, and education, from movie reviews to grant committees. Some people who register the assumption as doublethink might be privately troubled, but they don’t say so publicly. Then self-censorship turns into self-deception, until the recognition itself disappears—a lie you accept becomes a lie you forget. In this way, intelligent people do the work of eliminating their own unorthodoxy without the Thought Police.

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Orthodoxy is also enforced by social pressure, nowhere more intensely than on Twitter, where the specter of being shamed or “canceled” produces conformity as much as the prospect of adding to your tribe of followers does. This pressure can be more powerful than a party or state, because it speaks in the name of the people and in the language of moral outrage, against which there is, in a way, no defense. Certain commissars with large followings patrol the precincts of social media and punish thought criminals, but most progressives assent without difficulty to the stifling consensus of the moment and the intolerance it breeds—not out of fear, but because they want to be counted on the side of justice.

This willing constriction of intellectual freedom will do lasting damage. It corrupts the ability to think clearly, and it undermines both culture and progress. Good art doesn’t come from wokeness, and social problems starved of debate can’t find real solutions. “Nothing is gained by teaching a parrot a new word,” Orwell wrote in 1946. “What is needed is the right to print what one believes to be true, without having to fear bullying or blackmail from any side.” Not much has changed since the 1940s. The will to power still passes through hatred on the right and virtue on the left.

1984 will always be an essential book, regardless of changes in ideologies, for its portrayal of one person struggling to hold on to what is real and valuable. “Sanity is not statistical,” Winston thinks one night as he slips off to sleep. Truth, it turns out, is the most fragile thing in the world. The central drama of politics is the one inside your skull.

This article appears in the July 2019 print edition with the headline “George Orwell’s Unheeded Warning.”

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Common Module State-Rank Essay Showcase: Nineteen Eighty-Four

The following essay was written by Project Academy English Tutor, Marko Beocanin

The following essay was written by Project Academy English Teacher, Marko Beocanin.

Marko’s Achievements:

• 8th in NSW for English Advanced (98/100)
• Rank 1 in English Advanced, Extension 1 and Extension 2
• School Captain of Normanhurst Boys High School

Marko kindly agreed to share his essay and thorough annotations to help demystify for HSC students what comprises an upper Band 6 response!

Common Module: Nineteen Eighty-Four Essay Question

Marko’s following essay was written in response to the question:

“The representation of human experiences makes us more aware of the intricate nature of humanity.” In your response, discuss this statement with detailed reference to George Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’.

State-Ranking Common Module Essay Response

George Orwell’s 1949 Swiftian satire Nineteen Eighty-Four invites us to appreciate the intricate nature of humanity by representing how the abuse of power by totalitarian governments degrades our individual and collective experiences. (Link to rubric through individual/collective experiences, and a clear cause and effect argument: totalitarian governance -> degraded human experience. Also, comments on the genre of Swiftian satire. Value!) Orwell explores how oppressive authorities suppress the intricate societal pillars of culture, expression and freedom to maintain power. He then reveals how this suppression brutalises individual human behaviour and motivations because it undermines emotion and intricate thought. (Link to rubric through ‘human behaviour and motivations’, and extended cause and effect in which the first paragraph explores the collective ‘cause’ and the second paragraph explores the individual ‘effect’. This is an easy way to structure your arguments whilst continuously engaging with the rubric!) Ultimately, he argues that we must resist the political apathy that enables oppressive governments to maintain power and crush human intricacy. Therefore, his representation of human experiences not only challenges us to consider the intricate nature of humanity, but exhorts us to greater political vigilance so we can preserve it. (Concluding sentence that broadens the scope of the question and reaffirms the purpose of the text).

Orwell makes us aware of the intricate nature of humanity by representing how totalitarian authorities suppress intricate collective experiences of culture, expression and freedom in order to assert control. (This is the ‘collective’ paragraph – a cause and effect argument that relates the question to the loss of human intricacy in the collective as a result of totalitarian rule). His bleak vision was informed by Stalin’s USSR: a regime built upon the fabrication of history in Stalin’s ‘cult of personality’, and ruthlessly enforced by the NKVD. (Specific context – an actual specific regime is named and some details about its enforcement are given). The symbolic colourlessness and propaganda-poster motif he uses to describe London reflects the loss of human intricacy and culture under such leadership: “there seemed to be no colour in anything, except the posters that were plastered everywhere.” (First example sets up the world of the text, and the degraded collective experience). Orwell uses the telescreens, dramatically capitalised “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” posters and allusions to Stalin in Big Brother’s “black-moustachio’d face” as metonyms for how governmental surveillance dominates both physical and cultural collective experiences. Winston’s metatextual construction of the fictitious “Comrade Ogilvy” serves as a symbol for the vast, worthless masses of information produced by totalitarian governments to undermine the intricacy of real human history: “Comrade Ogilvy, who had never existed…would exist just as authentically, and upon the same evidence, as Charlemagne or Julius Caesar.” Similarly, Orwell’s satirical representation of Newspeak ignites the idea that political slovenliness causes self-expression to degrade, which in turn destroys our capacity for intricate thought and resistance: “we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.” (The examples above prove that the government’s leadership style truly is totalitarian, and that it results in a loss of intricacy and ‘humanity’ in the collective. It’s good to cover a variety of examples that explore different facets of the collective – for example, the first example establishes the extreme surveillance, the second example establishes the loss of ‘truth’/history, and the third example establishes the loss of language). The political bitterness that marks Nineteen Eighty-Four as a Swiftian satire (This is a link to the ‘Swiftian’ term used in the thesis statement. It’s important to refer back to any descriptive terms you use in your thesis) ultimately culminates in O’Brien’s monologue, where Orwell juxtaposes the politicised verb “abolish” to symbols of human intricacy, “we shall abolish the orgasm…there will be no art, no literature, no science…when we are omnipotent”, to express how totalitarian rulers suppress collective experiences to gain metaphoric omnipotence. Thus, Orwell makes us aware of the intricate nature of humanity by representing a future in which totalitarian governments suppress it. (A linking sentence that ties it all back to the question and rephrases the point)

Orwell then argues that the effect of this suppression is a loss of human intricacy that brutalises society and devalues individual experiences. (Cause and effect argument that links collective suppression to a loss of human intricacy on an individual scale – continuous engagement with the question and the rubric!) Orwell’s exposure to the widespread hysteria of Hitler’s Nazi regime, caused by the Nuremberg Rallies and Joseph Goebbels’ virulent anti-semitic propaganda, informs his representation of Oceania’s dehumanised masses. (More specific context around the Nazis, and a specific link to how it informed his work) The burlesque Two Minute Hate reveals human inconsistency by representing how even introspective, intelligent characters can be stripped of their intricacy and compassion by the experience of collective hysteria: even Winston wishes to “flog [Julia] to death with a rubber truncheon…ravish her and cut her throat at the moment of climax”, and is only restored by compliance to the Christ-like totalitarian authority, “My-Saviour!”, Big Brother. (A link to the rubric with the ‘human inconsistency’ point) Orwell frequently juxtaposes dehumanising representations of the proles, “the proles are not human beings”, to political sloganism: “As the Party slogan put it: ‘Proles and animals are free’”, to argue that in such a collectively suppressed society, the upper class grow insensitive towards the intricate nature of those less privileged. (It’s important to link the proles into your argument – they’re often forgotten, but they’re a big part of the text!) He asserts that this loss of empathy degrades the authenticity and intricacy of human relationships, characterised by Winson’s paradoxically hyperbolic repulsion towards his wife: “[Katharine] had without exception the most stupid, vulgar, empty mind that he had every encountered”. (Continuous engagement with the question and rubric: make sure to recycle rubric terms – here, done with ‘paradoxically’ – and question terms – here, with ‘intricacy’)  Winston’s “betrayal” of Julia symbolises how totalitarianism ultimately brutalises individuals by replacing their compassion for intricate ideals such as love with selfish pragmatism: “Do it to Julia…Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me!” Therefore, Orwell makes us more aware of the intricate nature of humanity by demonstrating how it can be robbed by suppressive governments and collective hysteria. (A linking sentence that sums up the paragraph).

By making us aware of how totalitarian governments suppress meaningful human experiences both individually and collectively, Orwell challenges us to resist so we can preserve our intricate nature. (This third paragraph discusses Orwell’s purpose as a composer. This can in general be a helpful way to structure paragraphs: Collective, Individual, Purpose) Orwell’s service in the 1930s Spanish Civil War as part of the Republican militia fighting against fascist-supported rebels positions him to satirise the political apathy of his audience. (Integration of personal context is useful here to justify Orwell’s motivations. It’s also a lot fresher than just including another totalitarian regime Orwell was exposed to) Orwell alludes to this through the metaphor of Winston’s diarising as an anomalous individual experience of resistance, ““[Winston] was a lonely ghost uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear,” which highlights how his intricate nature persists even in a suppressive society. Often, Orwell meta-fictively addresses his own context, as “a time when thought is free…when truth exists”, to establish an imperative to preserve our intricate human nature while we still can. The Julia romance trope (It’s good to include terms such as ‘trope’ which reflect your understanding of narrative structure and the overall form of the work.) represents how Winston’s gradual rejection of his political apathy empowered him to experience an authentic, intricately human relationship that subverts his totalitarian society: “the gesture with which [Julia] had thrown her clothes aside…[belonged] to an ancient time. Winston woke up with the word ‘Shakespeare’ on his lips.” Orwell juxtaposes Julia’s sexuality to Shakespeare, an immediately-recognisable metonym for culture and history, to argue that human intricacy can only be restored by actively resisting the dehumanising influence of the government. Orwell also represents Winston’s desensitised and immediate devotion to the Brotherhood to reflect how the preservation of human intricacy is a cause worth rebelling for, even by paradoxically unjust means: “[Winston was] prepared to commit murder…acts of sabotage which may cause the deaths of hundreds of innocent people…throw sulphuric acid in a child’s face.” (More chronological examples that show Winston’s transformation throughout the text. It’s useful to explore and contrast those who resist with those who don’t resist, and how just the act of resistance in some way restores our humanity! That’s why this paragraph comes after the ‘brutalised individual experience’ paragraph) However, Orwell ultimately asserts that it is too late for Winston to meaningfully restore humanity’s intricate nature, and concludes the text with his symbolic death and acceptance of the regime, “[Winston] had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.” (It’s important to remember that Orwell ends the text so miserably so that he can motivate his audiences not to do the same thing). The futility of this ending ignites the idea that we must not only be aware of our intricate nature, but must actively resist oppressive governments while we still can in order to preserve it. (A linking sentence that ties the paragraph together and justifies the futility of the ending)

Therefore, Orwell’s representation of human experiences in Nineteen Eighty-Four encourages us to reflect personally on our own intricate human nature, and challenges us to fight to preserve it. (Engages with the question (through the reflection point), and includes Orwell’s purpose as a composer). His depiction of a totalitarian government’s unchecked assertion of power on human culture and freedom, and the brutalising impact this has on individual and collective experiences, ultimately galvanises us to reject political apathy. (Your argument summaries can often be combined into a sentence or two in the conclusion now that the marker knows what you’re talking about. This reinforces the cause and effect structure as well.) Thus, the role of storytelling for Orwell is not only to make us more aware of our intricate nature, but to prove that we must actively resist oppressive governments while we still can in order to preserve it. (The clincher! It’s often useful to add “not only” in your final sentence to reinforce the massive scope of the text)

If reading this essay has helped you, you may also enjoy reading Marko’s ultimate guide to writing 20/20 HSC English essays .

P.S If you have any questions about aceing HSC English , you are welcome to learn from Marko and join one of Project Academy’s HSC English classes on a 3 week trial .

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1984 Research Paper Topics

This page delves into various 1984 research paper topics , providing students a comprehensive guide to aid their academic endeavors. From character analysis to thematic examinations, the narrative of 1984 presents a wealth of topics ripe for scholarly exploration. Students and researchers alike will benefit from this extensive compilation, offering insights and pathways to dissect Orwell’s magnum opus. Whether one is a novice to Orwell’s world or a seasoned critic, these 1984 research paper topics promise a thorough understanding and fresh perspectives on this timeless literary masterpiece.

100+ 1984 Research Paper Topics:

Delving into the intricate layers of George Orwell’s 1984 is an endeavor both exciting and thought-provoking. This novel, rich in themes, character development, and sociopolitical commentary, is a goldmine for students looking to craft a compelling research paper. Below is a comprehensive list of 1984 research paper topics, meticulously categorized, that shed light on various facets of this dystopian masterpiece.

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Themes and Concepts

• The role of propaganda in controlling the populace.
• The exploration of truth and reality in 1984 .
• The concept of “doublethink” and its implications for free thought.
• The societal impact of surveillance and the “Big Brother” concept.
• The dehumanization and stripping of individuality in Oceania.
• The mechanics and role of the Thought Police.
• The psychological manipulation techniques used by the Party.
• The role and symbolism of the proles in 1984 .
• The influence of war on society’s mindset and politics.
• The commentary on language’s role in shaping thought, via Newspeak.

Character Analyses

• Winston Smith: A journey from conformity to rebellion.
• Julia’s role as both a rebel and a product of the Party’s system.
• The character and function of Big Brother in the narrative.
• O’Brien’s complexity: Torturer, philosopher, and Party loyalist.
• The significance and role of Mr. Charrington in Winston’s life.
• Syme’s obsession with Newspeak and its eventual consequences.
• Parsons: The ideal Party member and the dangers of blind loyalty.
• The importance and narrative function of the prole woman.
• The symbolic nature of the characters Ampleforth and Jones.
• Winston’s relationship dynamics with his fellow workers.

Symbolism and Motifs

• The significance of Room 101 and its different representations.
• The glass paperweight: Its symbolic journey and meaning.
• The omnipresence and meaning behind the phrase “Big Brother is Watching You.”
• The “red-armed prole woman” as a beacon of hope and humanity.
• The symbolic degradation of the old rhyme “Oranges and Lemons.”
• The importance of the diary in Winston’s journey.
• The chestnut tree café and its evolution as a symbol.
• The “Golden Country” in Winston’s dreams and its contrasting reality.
• The destruction and manipulation of historical records as a recurring motif.
• The dichotomy of love and hate in 1984 .

Literary Techniques and Style

• The use of third-person limited perspective in 1984 .
• Orwell’s crafting of suspense throughout the narrative.
• The bleak and descriptive setting of Oceania and its literary significance.
• The influence of Orwell’s own political views in the narrative style of 1984 .
• Exploration of the dystopian genre through Orwell’s lens.
• The use and impact of irony in 1984 .
• The structural importance of “The Book” within the book.
• The tone and mood shifts throughout the novel and their implications.
• The role of foreshadowing in predicting Winston’s fate.
• The interplay of hope and despair in Orwell’s narrative voice.

Comparisons and Context

• 1984 vs. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World : Differing dystopian visions.
• The influences of Orwell’s experiences in Spain on 1984 .
• Comparing the societal control mechanisms in 1984 with contemporary societies.
• Orwell’s 1984 in the context of modern surveillance states.
• Parallels between 1984 and other totalitarian regimes in history.
• The influence of 1984 on later dystopian works.
• 1984 and the concept of “fake news” in the modern era.
• The implications of 1984 in the digital age and privacy debates.
• How 1984 reflects Orwell’s views on socialism and totalitarianism.
• Orwell’s 1984 and its echoes in modern pop culture.

Theoretical Approaches

• A feminist reading of 1984 .
• Applying postcolonial theory to Orwell’s 1984 .
• The psychoanalytic aspects of 1984 : Freud and beyond.
• 1984 through the lens of Marxist literary criticism.
• Deconstructionist views on Orwell’s narrative structures.
• The role of power structures in 1984 from a Foucauldian perspective.
• Exploring 1984 through the eyes of New Historicism.
• Structuralist readings of Orwell’s dystopian narrative.
• The reader-response theory and 1984 .
• Evaluating 1984 using the tenets of Eco-criticism.

Legacy and Influence

• 1984 in contemporary pop culture: References, adaptations, and inspirations.
• The impact of 1984 on subsequent dystopian literature.
• Orwell’s vision and its influence on political discourse.
• How 1984 shaped the understanding of surveillance in popular culture.
• 1984 and its imprint on music: Songs, lyrics, and albums inspired by the novel.
• The influence of Orwell’s masterpiece on visual arts: films, paintings, and installations.
• 1984 in theater: Interpretations and adaptations on the stage.
• Teaching 1984 : Its role in modern educational curriculums.
• 1984 in the tech age: From Big Brother to Big Data.
• Legacy of 1984 in fashion and design: A dystopian aesthetic.

Sociopolitical Interpretations

• 1984 and its critique of Stalinist USSR.
• The novel’s reflection on Western democracies during the Cold War.
• Orwell’s perspective on censorship and information control.
• Analyzing the concept of “doublethink” in modern political discourse.
• 1984 and its warnings against the erosion of civil liberties.
• Exploring the novel’s take on nationalism and state propaganda.
• 1984 and its insights into behavior modification through societal pressure.
• The convergence of corporate and state surveillance: Orwell’s predictions.
• Orwell’s views on totalitarianism and the erosion of individual rights.
• 1984 and its resonance with contemporary global political climates.

Psychological Dimensions

• The psychological torment of Winston Smith: An in-depth analysis.
• Fear, control, and compliance: The mechanisms of psychological manipulation in 1984 .
• The role of memory and its manipulation in Orwell’s dystopia.
• Groupthink and collective consciousness in 1984 .
• The emotional and psychological implications of constant surveillance.
• 1984 and its exploration of existential dread and hopelessness.
• Freudian interpretations of dreams and desires in 1984 .
• Cognitive dissonance and the challenge of maintaining sanity in Orwell’s Oceania.
• The psychological significance of Winston’s relationships and affiliations.
• Mental resilience and its limits: How characters in 1984 cope with tyranny.

Philosophical Angles

• 1984 and the nature of truth: A philosophical exploration.
• The novel’s take on utilitarianism and the greater good.
• Exploring existentialism in 1984 .
• Free will, determinism, and destiny in Orwell’s universe.
• 1984 and the philosophical debate on privacy versus security.
• The novel’s exploration of love, loyalty, and human connection in a disconnected world.
• Nietzschean perspectives on power and control in 1984 .
• The Sisyphean struggle: Hope, rebellion, and inevitability in Orwell’s world.
• Analyzing the concept of reality through a Platonic lens in 1984 .
• The meaning of life, purpose, and individualism in a conformist society.

Linguistic and Semiotic Studies

• The linguistic genius behind Newspeak and its implications for thought.
• Semiotic analysis of symbols and motifs in 1984 .
• Orwell’s exploration of language as a tool of power and control.
• The rhetoric of the Party: A study in persuasive language.
• The relationship between language, thought, and reality in 1984 .
• Orwell’s warnings on the degradation and simplification of language.
• 1984 and the linguistics of propaganda.
• A semiotic analysis of “Big Brother” as a symbol.
• The power dynamics in the language of 1984 .
• The linguistic structures of rebellion and conformity in the novel.

George Orwell’s 1984 is a veritable treasure trove for literature enthusiasts and researchers. This comprehensive list is just the tip of the iceberg, aiming to provide a springboard for deeper dives into the novel’s many facets. Whether examining its iconic characters, dissecting its intricate themes, or comparing its dystopian vision with other works, the opportunities for insightful research are boundless. So, equip yourself with this guide, pick a topic, and embark on a journey into the depths of one of literature’s most iconic works.

1984 and the Range of Research Paper Topics It Offers

George Orwell’s 1984 is not just a novel—it’s a testament, a warning, and a lens through which the very fabric of society and humanity can be viewed. Published in 1949, Orwell’s chilling portrayal of a totalitarian society where even thoughts are monitored and controlled has become a staple in literary education and cultural discussions around the world. The novel’s enduring relevance and its resonance with present-day concerns about surveillance, freedom, and control mean that it remains an unparalleled topic for academic exploration. Here’s an in-depth look at 1984 research paper topics.

Historical Context and Immediate Relevance

The aftermath of World War II, the rise of totalitarian regimes, the onset of the Cold War, and Orwell’s own experiences in Spain provided a rich backdrop for 1984 . He observed firsthand the perils of extreme ideologies and the erosion of individual freedoms. The novel was a dire warning against the potential trajectory of unchecked power and a call to vigilance. This historical context itself offers a plethora of research angles—from comparisons between the Party’s tactics and those of real-world regimes to an exploration of the novel’s reception in various geopolitical climates.

Themes and Motifs: A Goldmine for Analysis

Orwell’s novel is drenched in compelling themes—totalitarianism, censorship, the nature of reality, psychological manipulation, language as a tool of control, and more. Each theme is not just a part of the novel’s fabric but is intricately woven into its very essence. For example, Newspeak, the official language of Oceania, isn’t just a linguistic tool; it’s a weapon to limit free thought and ensure the Party’s hegemony. Delving deep into these themes opens up research avenues that can intersect with philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and political science.

Characters as Mirrors of Society

The inhabitants of Oceania are not merely characters in a plot—they are symbols, representations of segments of society. Winston, with his rebellious nature, stands for the suppressed intellectual spirit. Julia represents the more tangible, bodily resistance. Meanwhile, O’Brien embodies the chilling reality of a world devoid of morals, running solely on power dynamics. By diving deep into their motivations, conflicts, and arcs, one can glean insights into the human condition under pressure and surveillance.

Contemporary Resonance: 1984 in the Digital Age

What makes 1984 a continual source of intrigue is its eerie relevance to today’s world. With discussions about data privacy, surveillance capitalism, and governmental oversight becoming more pronounced in the digital age, Orwell’s warnings seem prescient. Exploring 1984 in the context of the 21st century—an age of smartphones, AI, and big data—can yield discussions that are both enlightening and unsettling.

In Conclusion

1984 is more than a literary masterpiece—it’s a canvas upon which our deepest fears and highest hopes are painted. Whether you’re delving into its historical roots, analyzing its profound themes, dissecting its rich characters, or drawing parallels with the modern world, the novel offers an expansive field for research. It serves as a reminder of the power of literature to reflect, predict, and influence society. The range of research paper topics it offers is vast, ensuring that every academic exploration of the text is a unique journey in understanding humanity’s dance with power, freedom, and control.

How to Choose 1984 Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research topic from George Orwell’s 1984 can seem like a daunting task given the novel’s multifaceted nature and its rich tapestry of themes, characters, and socio-political contexts. The book’s continued relevance and its broad scope make it a treasure trove for researchers. However, to ensure your research stands out and resonates with your readers, it’s essential to select your topic judiciously. Here are ten tips to guide you in your quest for the perfect 1984 research topic:

• Passion and Interest: Start by identifying what intrigues you most about 1984 . Is it the oppressive nature of Big Brother? The chilling psychology of the Thought Police? Or perhaps the sociopolitical implications and its parallels with today’s world? Choosing a topic you’re passionate about will make the research process more enjoyable and engaging.
• Historical Context: Delve into the era when Orwell penned this masterpiece. Understanding the political climate of the time, Orwell’s personal experiences, and the rise of totalitarian regimes can offer a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Don’t limit yourself to literary analysis alone. Consider combining insights from other disciplines like political science, psychology, or linguistics. For instance, you could explore the psychology behind the brainwashing techniques employed in the novel or the linguistic implications of Newspeak.
• Contemporary Relevance: Analyze the novel’s themes in the context of today’s digital era. How do concepts like surveillance, privacy, and freedom play out in our age of social media, big data, and AI?
• Character Analysis: Dive deep into the motivations, desires, and arcs of characters. For instance, a comparative study of Winston and Julia’s resistance methods or an in-depth analysis of O’Brien’s philosophical discourses can yield rich results.
• Thematic Exploration: Rather than skimming the surface of multiple themes, consider focusing in-depth on one. This allows for a nuanced and detailed examination, be it of totalitarianism, the malleability of reality, or the power dynamics inherent in language.
• Narrative Techniques: Analyze Orwell’s narrative strategies. How does his third-person limited perspective enhance the story’s atmosphere? What role does irony play? Exploring these techniques can offer a fresh lens through which to view the novel.
• Comparative Study: Compare 1984 with other dystopian works, such as Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” or Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”. Such a comparison can offer insights into the varying depictions and warnings of dystopian futures.
• Feedback and Peer Review: Once you’ve shortlisted a few 1984 research paper topics, discuss them with peers, professors, or mentors. Their feedback can offer new perspectives or refine your chosen direction.
• Scope and Feasibility: Finally, ensure that your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should be expansive enough to warrant research but specific enough to be covered comprehensively within your paper’s limitations.

Choosing a research topic for 1984 is a journey in itself, one that requires introspection, exploration, and a keen understanding of the novel’s intricate layers. The right topic not only aligns with your interests but also offers fresh insights and perspectives on Orwell’s magnum opus. So, immerse yourself in the world of Oceania, let Winston’s struggles and Big Brother’s omnipresence guide you, and embark on a research journey that’s as enlightening as it is engaging.

How to Write a 1984 Research Paper

Crafting a research paper on George Orwell’s 1984 demands a synthesis of comprehensive reading, analytical acumen, and a clear writing style. Whether you’re delving into a character’s psyche or drawing parallels between Oceania and contemporary society, your paper should be a cohesive and compelling piece of academic work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

• Thorough Reading: Before anything else, ensure you’ve read 1984 meticulously. Note down important quotes, pivotal scenes, and significant character developments. This foundational knowledge is crucial for any in-depth analysis.
• Define Your Thesis Statement: This is the core argument or point of your paper. Whether it’s a character analysis of Winston or an exploration of Orwellian prophesies in the 21st century, your thesis should be specific and debatable.
• Extensive Research: While 1984 will be your primary source, secondary sources are vital for enriching your arguments. Dive into scholarly articles, critiques, and other related literature to understand various interpretations and gather supporting evidence.
• Construct an Outline: This step will give structure to your thoughts. Start with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs (each making a specific point related to your thesis), and conclude with a summarizing argument.
• Dive Deep into Analysis: Rather than merely summarizing the plot, focus on interpreting and analyzing. How does Orwell portray totalitarianism? What does the character of O’Brien represent in the larger scheme of things? Such questions will guide your analytical narrative.
• Incorporate Quotations Judiciously: Direct quotations from the novel can bolster your claims. However, ensure they’re relevant to your argument, and always provide context and interpretation for each quote.
• Maintain a Formal Tone and Structure: Avoid colloquialisms and ensure your paper has a logical flow, with each paragraph transitioning seamlessly into the next.
• Address Counterarguments: A well-rounded research paper considers alternative viewpoints or potential criticisms of the thesis. By addressing these counterarguments, you can fortify your own position and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Citation and Bibliography: Given the academic nature of the paper, ensure every claim or idea borrowed from an external source is properly cited. Depending on your institution’s guidelines, familiarize yourself with citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
• Proofread and Revise: Once your draft is complete, set it aside for a day or two. Revisit it with fresh eyes, looking out for grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or areas that lack clarity. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to refine your paper further.

Writing a research paper on 1984 is both a challenge and an opportunity. While Orwell’s dystopian world offers a plethora of 1984 research paper topics and interpretations, the real task lies in distilling these ideas into a well-structured and compelling narrative. Remember, beyond the grades or academic acclaim, the true reward lies in the deeper understanding and appreciation of Orwell’s vision and the timeless lessons it imparts. So, arm yourself with patience, perseverance, and passion, and embark on this enlightening literary journey.

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1984 Essay Topics & Examples

What can you say about the famous George Orwell’s book? With the 1984 essay topics and research titles gathered by our team , you’ll easily find the right words.

🏆 Best 1984 Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting essay topics for 1984, 👍 good 1984 research paper topics, ❓ 1984 essay questions.

• George Orwell’s 1984: Winston and Julia’s Relationship Essay In the relationship, Julia teaches Winston the idea of love, and the love feeling is then manipulated and directed towards Big Brother.
• Historical Parallels Between George Orwell’s 1984 and Today Perhaps that is clearly illustrated by the quote that presupposes that whoever can control the past, has power to control the future; while whoever has the ability to control the present, wields the right to […]
• The Aspects of Human Nature That George Orwell Criticizes in His Work 1984 Compared to Today’s World The aspects of human nature that George Orwell criticizes in his work 1984 compared to today’s world Orwell in the novel 1984 represents the modern society be it capitalist or communist.
• Language in Orwell’s 1984 as a Means of Manipulation and Control One of the key themes in the novel is the control over language and rewriting history. Thus, it is apparent that control of language leads to the restriction of people’s feelings and thoughts.
• Comparison of G. Orwell’s “1984”, R. Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and A. Huxley’s “Brave New World” The leadership is in charge of virtually each and every single activity that takes place in the lives of the inhabitants of the society.
• Dystopias “Brave New World” by Huxley and “1984” by Orwell The modern world is full of complications and the moments when it seems like a dystopia the darkest version of the future. In the novel, promiscuity is encouraged, and sex is a form of entertainment.
• Analysis of Enemy of the People and Nineteen Eighty Four Hovard evidences a good example of the barrier of doing the right things due to influences and the need to fulfill the desires of the people even if they are wrong.
• Winston Smith, in the Novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” Lastly, Winston Smith is not a hero, and individuals should not emulate and admire him as he is quick to surrender, indiscreet, and promotes the wealth of the ruling class.
• Unhappiness of Society in Orwell’s 1984 Dystopia His character is a strong individual who will not transgress the ideals of his party and is fully committed to him.
• Orwell’s 1984 Literary Analysis: Should the Majority Rule? The main character of the 1984 novel is Winston Smith, who is in his late 40s and who works in the Ministry of Truth or Minitruth, which is apparently the Ministry of Lies, since the […]
• Generation Z Through George Orwell’s “1984” Lens One of the things that the new generation lacks and that the old one had is respect for the opinion of an ideological opponent.
• The Declaration of Independence and 1984 by George Orwell Another feature that relates the Declaration of Independence to 1984 is a demonstration of the tyranny of the ruler and the restriction of the citizen’s rights.
• George Orwell and Two of His Works “1984” and “Animal Farm” Orwell draws on his own personal experiences in the context of political terrorism to describe a life, lived in fear and guilt.
• “Novel 1984” by George Orwell The specific inspirations for the Oceania society from “1984” were The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany with their inherent propaganda, betrayal of the ideals of the revolution, concentration camps and misinformation.
• “Nineteen Eighty-Four” a Book by George Orwell The major purpose of the essay is to prove that, despite the wide-spread opinion of literary critics that the ideologies presented in the novel are all alike, it is still possible to indicate differences accounting […]
• The Dystopian Societies of “1984” and Brave New World The three features which are discussed in this respect are the division of the two societies into social strata, the use of state power and control over citizens, and the loss of people’s individualities.
• Literature Comparison: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “1984” It can be said that while both of these books address the issue of hidden methods of coercion, Nineteen-eighty Four provides a bleak vision of the future in which the whole of society is controlled […]
• Events in the 1984 by George Orwell This paper explores the similarities and dissimilarities between the book’s events and the occurrences of contemporary society in 2014. Orwell’s accounts in the book 1984 strike many similarities with the events happening in contemporary society.
• George Orwell’s Novel 1984 The world is involved in an endless war, and the political regime called Ingsoc and headed by a mystical Big Brother permanently looks for ways to control the citizens’ minds and private lives.
• Analysis of Books “Half the Sky How to Change the World”, “Gulliver’s Travel” and “1984” Comprehensively, the book Half the Sky How to Change the World exposes the rot that is human trafficking and tries to expose the severity of the trade and how it affects the world today.
• 1984 by George Orwell There are high hopes that the current settings of the twenty-first century and the predictable future of governance will be sustainable and responsible especially on issues of cultural identity and preservation.
• Two Opposite Worlds: “Utopia” and “1984” More criticizes the laws of the contemporary European society; he highlights that other countries, in the East for instance, have more fair laws; and after that he starts depicting Utopia, where all people live and […]
• Understanding the Concept of Doublethink in the World of George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Weakness of Big Brother in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Theme of the Survival of a Hero in the Movie “Casablanca” and George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Truth About Communism and Totalitarism in George Orwell’s Novel “1984”
• The Similarities Between the Novels “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
• Totalitarianism and Dystopia in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Theme of History in “Brave New World” by Arthur Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
• Theme Analysis in “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers and “1984” by George Orwell
• The Philosophy of Determinism in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Power and Control of the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Near Dystopian Future in a “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
• The Suppression of Thoughts and the Elimination of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Totalitarian Government of “1984” by George Orwell
• The Use of the Newspeak Language to Control and Manipulate in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Practice of Dehumanization by the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Psychological Manipulation of Society in “1984” by George Orwell
• Theme of Betrayal in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
• The Roles of Love, Government, Freedom, Education, and Pleasure in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Idea of Humans Being Naturally Rebellious in “1984” by George Orwell
• The World of Deceit and Propaganda in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Importance of Winston and Julie’s Romantic Relationship in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Inferiority of Women in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
• The Utopian Society in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Significance of the Elements of Political Protest in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Necessities for a Dystopian Society in George Orwell’s “1984” and Its Possibility in the Modern Era
• The Role of Newspeak in the Inner Party’s Philosophy and Propaganda in “1984” by George Orwell
• Totalitarian Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Mirrored Worlds in Novels “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• Totalitarian Goverments in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Pleasure Principle in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
• The Parallelism of Today’s Society to the Social Conditions Found in George Orwell’s “1984”
• Winston Smith in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
• The Three Important Aspects of the Fictional World in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Verbal and Situation Irony in George Orwell’s “1984”
• Understanding Dystopia in “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• The Government’s Suppression of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Influence of Stalinist Russia’s Total Control, Censorship, and Terror on George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Opening of Public Opinions to Future World in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Political Satire of the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
• Triumph and Futility in “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand and “1984” by George Orwell
• The Exploration of Truth and Reality in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Societal Impact of Surveillance and the “Big Brother” Concept in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Traits of Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Use and Abuse of Power in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Themes of the Dangers of Psychological Manipulation and Physical Control in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Impact of the Advances in Technology in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Understanding and Manipulation of Emotion as a Tool for Building Power in “1984” by George Orwell
• The Use of Foreshadowing in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Government’s Attempt to Control Citizen’s Minds and Bodies in George Orwell’s “1984”
• The Four Essential Freedoms and the Freedom of Fear in “1984” by George Orwell
• How Does the George Orwell Use Language to Create a Sense of Place in “1984”?
• What Is the Significance of Coffee in “1984”?
• Why Did Winston Betray Julia in “1984”?
• What Role Does Contradiction Serve Within the Framework of Doublethink in “1984”?
• How Does “1984” Relate to Dystopian Literature?
• Is There Evidence in “1984” That Supports the Poster That Says “Big Brother Is Watching You”?
• What Was the Two Minutes Hate in “1984”?
• How Does Winston View His Job at the Ministry of Truth in “1984”?
• Why Is Winston So Afraid of Rats in “1984”?
• How Does “1984” Relate to Contemporary Politics and Society?
• How Is Free Will Seen in George Orwell’s ‘’1984’’?
• How Does the Interaction of Text and Reader Create Meaning in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell?
• What Is the Role of Women in “1984”?
• How Do Winston and Julia Differ in Their Views of the Past in “1984”?
• How Is Technology Used to Control the Citizens in “1984”?
• How Does the Party Use Propaganda in “1984”?
• What Are the Morals and Ethical Views of Winston and Julia in the Novel “1984”?
• What Does the Rat Symbolize in “1984”?
• How Are “1984” and “Harrison Bergeron” Alike and Different?
• What Does Memory Hole Mean in “1984”?
• What Is the Purpose of the Record’s Department in “1984”?
• Why Does the Party Discourage Romantic Relationships Between Party Members in “1984”?
• What Was Julia’s Room 101 in “1984”?
• How Does George Orwell Reveal Character in “1984”?
• What Warnings Can We Take From Orwell’s “1984”?
• How Are Characters Brainwashed in “1984”?
• How Effectively Does Orwell Introduce the Reader to the New Society of “1984” in Chapter One of the Novel?
• What Is the Significance of the Name Ministry of Love in “1984”?
• What Is the Main Problem in “1984”?
• What Is O’Brien’s Vision for the Future of Oceania in “1984”?
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A Salty Young Critic Explains Internet Culture, Patiently

Famed for her fearless literary takedowns, Lauren Oyler adopts a softer tone in the new essay collection “No Judgment.”

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By Erin Somers

Erin Somers is a reporter for Publishers Lunch and the author of “Stay Up With Hugo Best.”

• March 18, 2024
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NO JUDGMENTS: Essays, by Lauren Oyler

Why do people like to watch boxing? We admire the fighters: their guts, their footwork. It is elegant yet brutal. It entertains. It is a form of proxy violence — someone else being hit and doing the hitting — that taps into our primal urges.

Lauren Oyler made her name as a pugilist. Her breakout essay on the website BookSlut famously begins, “I have always hated Roxane Gay’s writing.” Her reviews get attention partly because she voices the criticism that one may be too politic to express. Typically, that criticism is harsh. Typically, it is funny. Even her 2021 debut novel, “Fake Accounts,” contains a 40-page parody of the fragmentary novel form that was dominant in that moment, especially among women writers. It goes on for so long that the reader has time to love it, hate it, become exasperated with it, resign herself to it and, finally, admire its diabolical commitment.

Now Oyler has returned with “No Judgment,” a collection of eight essays written specifically for the book. Her sense of humor is present, as is her agile thinking. But fans of blood sport won’t find much here to satisfy their baser appetites. Far from incendiary, the book is cleareyed and grounded. Several essays here provoked the surprising thought, “This is the sanest thing I have ever read on this topic.”

The book begins with an introduction explaining that some of the essays were inspired by “a growing agitation about what I perceived to be misunderstandings and fallacies spreading in cultural criticism and commentary.” Others center on personal experiences. Topics include: the evolution of internet gossip, the flawed social network Goodreads and the creep of the word “vulnerable” into arts criticism. The uniting idea, if there is one, seems to be about how people are using or absorbing media wrong, and how this is annoying.

The essays are long and unhurried, and the fare will be familiar to anyone who spends a lot of time online. Many of them involve Twitter discourses of the past few years. Martin Scorsese’s views on Marvel movies make an appearance, as do the online sagas of the writers Lauren Hough, Kathleen Hale and Elizabeth Gilbert, each of whom raised the hackles of the online reviewing community with a variety of consequences.

The first essay, “Embarrassment, Panic, Opprobrium, Job Loss, Etc.,” traces gossip through the 21st century, from the rise and fall of the website Gawker to #MeToo and whisper networks, and the notorious anonymously sourced list of “bad media men” that shook up the magazine world in 2017. These episodes are fluidly stitched together with added context from history and literature, which is the structure of most of the essays in the book. At its best, it feels like your smart friend explaining to you something you missed on the internet, why it’s important and what it means. Occasionally, it feels like your friend overexplaining these things.

Oyler is a sharp and confident critic, and some interpretations in the book are outstanding. For instance, her reading of the film “Tár,” in an essay called “The Power of Vulnerability,” suggests it is not about cancel culture, as many critics wrote when it first came out, but about what would happen if a woman acted like a man. She writes: “We see Tár from rise to downfall, playing the man the entire time. We see her being called maestro. … Most important, we see her in this astounding, unrealistic career, which, in reality, a woman like her would never achieve. Not only because she is a woman, but because she is a woman who acts like a man: cocky, selfish, self-important, rude, on closer inspection a total fraud.” This is an invigorating way to think about the film, and one that sidesteps trite notions of cancellation.

Likewise, in an essay about the forever war of irony versus sincerity, sparked by David Foster Wallace’s 1993 essay “E. Unibus Pluram” and rehashed every few years online, she proposes that the binary itself is fake. “These oppositions are, have always been, reductive, false: A complex work will almost always have both irony and sincerity, and it is possible to express sincere — or authentic, or true — feelings through irony, a rhetorical device that is useful when you want to represent the tension between two conflicting ideas at the same time.”

The collection’s most ambitious essay is an assessment of autofiction as a form rather than a genre. There are many interesting reflections here on Oyler’s own work (“Fake Accounts” is autofiction) and on the work of others — Vladimir Nabokov, Sheila Heti, Sally Rooney and more.

I had never considered, for example, the space between the reader’s projection of an author of autofiction, and who the author really is. That the author can play with this — either defying or reifying the reader’s preconceived notions — is a tool, and a very cool one.

Still, the book’s measuredness cuts both ways. While it likely demonstrates Oyler’s growth as a writer (you can’t be an edgelord all your life), it lacks the boldness of her novel and magazine writing. It is oddly safe. “TED Talks are stupid,” she writes. Well, yeah; The Onion launched a series making fun of them in 2012.

That these essays were written specifically for the book, meaning they did not run as magazine stories or pegged to news events, made me wonder, sometimes, at the why of them. Why these particular topics? Why this set of minor irritations? Is there anything new or definitive about them? Is there a sense of risk, aesthetically or otherwise?

Luckily, the execution is fresh enough to keep one reading. And the barbs, when they do come, are good — in the final essay, a cheap dentist is described as “a tan man in a linoleum hole.” Maybe it’s best to follow the book’s lead and approach it with equanimity: We can appreciate and mourn its maturity both at once.

NO JUDGMENT : Essays | By Lauren Oyler | HarperOne | 288 pp. | $28.99

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Prompt engineering embraces new essay-compression technique that expands on getting very constructive generative ai results.

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Handy new prompt engineering technique to do compression on essays and other text is examined and ... [+] showcased as being quite useful.

In today’s column, I am continuing my ongoing coverage of prompt engineering strategies and tactics that aid in getting the most out of using generative AI apps such as ChatGPT, GPT-4, Bard, Gemini, Claude, etc. The focus here is on a brand-new prompting approach that enables you to cleverly compress essays and other text-based narratives. This is a handy technique that ought to be in your prompting best-practices toolkit.

For my in-depth comprehensive guide on over thirty other keystone prompting strategies, see the link here .

Here’s the essence of today’s discussion.

One of the most popular uses of generative AI entails creating summaries of entered text, see my prior coverage on prompting strategies for summarization at the link here and also the chain-of-density technique (CoD) at the link here . The deal is this. You might have a lengthy document that needs a helpful summary covering the crucial points so that you don’t have to wade through a convoluted textual morass. The simplest prompt to achieve a summary will merely tell the AI to go ahead and summarize the material. Boom, you are done, or so it seems.

The problem is that the summary might not be very good. Odds are that the generative AI might omit points that a human would have realized are vital to include in a summary. There is also a significant chance that the source material will be interpreted rather than carried straight ahead into the summary. Loosey-goosey interpretations of what was said in the source could be way off base.

Into this realm comes the act of compression.

Rather than producing a summary that might veer from the source, you can ask to do a compression. The idea of compression is that the source is reduced in size by a thinning process, but no adaptations or rephrasing takes place. You are still seeing the same words that were in the source. A thinning process is undertaken to try and keep just the needed meat on the bones conveying the crux of the source material.

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To clarify, compression is not a silver bullet. Issues about compression can arise. For example, it is conceivable that as generative AI thins out a source text, some key points might inadvertently get weaned out. Another possible issue is that the resulting compressed text might seem nearly unreadable or incomprehensible. The words removed that might have seemed inconsequential by the AI were possibly integral to the intelligible reading of the text.

The bottom line is that anyone proficient in the use of generative AI should know both techniques by heart, freely welding the best ways to do prompting that encompasses summarization and astute prompting that does compression. You can then wisely decide which approach befits a given circumstance. Sometimes you pull out the hammer of summarization, and other times you reach for the screwdriver of compression. They are two distinct tools that require suitable handling and must be selected for the appropriate situations.

A frequent question I get during the prompt engineering classes that I teach is whether summarization is better than compression, or whether compression is better than summarization. This always brings a smile to my face. The conveyed conundrum is a false choice. None is especially better than the other in the abstract. Each provides a set of benefits and drawbacks. I don’t think you can in the abstract make a solid case that a hammer is better than or worse than a screwdriver since the situation at hand dictates as such. The same goes for summarization versus compression.

Okay, now that we’ve got that foundation established, there are already various recommended ways to word a prompt to do summarizations and compressions. A recent research study explored the topic and proffered a prompt for compression that they extensively tested and found to be quite useful. I will walk you through their research efforts and results.

I opted to try out the compression prompt by doing some of my own testing as a mini-experiment using ChatGPT and GPT-4. This allows you to see the compression prompting in action. I will discuss the matter and aim to arm you with how to suitably use the clever technique.

Before we get into the specifics of this new compression technique, it would be useful to make sure we are all on the same page about the nature and importance of prompt engineering.

Let’s do that.

The Nature And Importance Of Prompt Engineering

Please be aware that composing well-devised prompts is essential to getting robust results from generative AI and large language models (LLMs). It is highly recommended that anyone avidly using generative AI should learn about and regularly practice the fine art and science of devising sound prompts. I purposefully note that prompting is both art and science. Some people are wanton in their prompting, which is not going to get you productive responses. You want to be systematic leverage the science of prompting, and include a suitable dash of artistry, combining to get you the most desirable results.

My golden rule about generative AI is this:

• The use of generative AI can altogether succeed or fail based on the prompt that you enter.

If you provide a prompt that is poorly composed, the odds are that the generative AI will wander all over the map and you won’t get anything demonstrative related to your inquiry. Similarly, if you put distracting words into your prompt, the odds are that the generative AI will pursue an unintended line of consideration. For example, if you include words that suggest levity, there is a solid chance that the generative AI will seemingly go into a humorous mode and no longer emit serious answers to your questions.

Be direct, be obvious, and avoid distractive wording.

Being copiously specific should also be cautiously employed. You see, being painstakingly specific can be off-putting due to giving too much information. Amidst all the details, there is a chance that the generative AI will either get lost in the weeds or will strike upon a particular word or phrase that causes a wild leap into some tangential realm. I am not saying that you should never use detailed prompts. That’s silly. I am saying that you should use detailed prompts in sensible ways, such as telling the generative AI that you are going to include copious details and forewarn the AI accordingly.

You need to compose your prompts in relatively straightforward language and be abundantly clear about what you are asking or what you are telling the generative AI to do.

A wide variety of cheat sheets and training courses for suitable ways to compose and utilize prompts has been rapidly entering the marketplace to try and help people leverage generative AI soundly. In addition, add-ons to generative AI have been devised to aid you when trying to come up with prudent prompts, see my coverage at the link here .

AI Ethics and AI Law also stridently enter into the prompt engineering domain. For example, whatever prompt you opt to compose can directly or inadvertently elicit or foster the potential of generative AI to produce essays and interactions that imbue untoward biases, errors, falsehoods, glitches, and even so-called AI hallucinations (I do not favor the catchphrase of AI hallucinations, though it has admittedly tremendous stickiness in the media; here’s my take on AI hallucinations at the link here ).

There is also a marked chance that we will ultimately see lawmakers come to the fore on these matters, possibly devising and putting in place new laws or regulations to try and scope and curtail misuses of generative AI. Regarding prompt engineering, there are likely going to be heated debates over putting boundaries around the kinds of prompts you can use. This might include requiring AI makers to filter and prevent certain presumed inappropriate or unsuitable prompts, a cringe-worthy issue for some that borders on free speech considerations. For my ongoing coverage of these types of AI Ethics and AI Law issues, see the link here and the link here , just to name a few.

All in all, be mindful of how you compose your prompts.

By being careful and thoughtful you will hopefully minimize the possibility of wasting your time and effort. There is also the matter of cost. If you are paying to use a generative AI app, the usage is sometimes based on how much computational activity is required to fulfill your prompt request or instruction. Thus, entering prompts that are off-target could cause the generative AI to take excessive computational resources to respond. You end up paying for stuff that either took longer than required or that doesn’t satisfy your request and you are stuck for the bill anyway.

I like to say at my speaking engagements that prompts and dealing with generative AI is like a box of chocolates. You never know exactly what you are going to get when you enter prompts. The generative AI is devised with a probabilistic and statistical underpinning which pretty much guarantees that the output produced will vary each time. In the parlance of the AI field, we say that generative AI is considered non-deterministic.

My point is that, unlike other apps or systems that you might use, you cannot fully predict what will come out of generative AI when inputting a particular prompt. You must remain flexible. You must always be on your toes. Do not fall into the mental laziness of assuming that the generative AI output will always be correct or apt to your query. It won’t be.

Write that down on a handy snip of paper and tape it onto your laptop or desktop screen.

Using Special Prompts Including Chain-of-Density

There is a slew of somewhat remarkable prompt phrases that are essential for anyone seriously doing prompt engineering. One such phrase involves telling generative AI to work on a stepwise basis, something commonly known as invoking chain-of-thought responses by the AI, see my coverage at the link here . Another popular ploy entails telling the AI to take a deep breath, see my analysis of this prompt at the link here . One of the latest favorites involves commanding the AI to take on a Star Trek consideration when devising an answer, see my discussion at the link here .

I previously covered in my writings the various prompts that are particularly suited for getting summaries of text that you might provide to generative AI. Summarizing text is a very common use of generative AI. You can simply paste a whole bunch of text into generative AI and get a pretty good summary of the text. That being said, summaries can diverge from the original content and potentially contain misleading or even outright incorrect summarized content, see my analysis at the link here .

In short, summarizing can be risky due to the generative AI opting to rephrase the original content. The rephrasing might fail to depict the proper meaning and intention of the source content. Envision using summarization on doctor’s notes via generative AI, which is then handed to a different physician and they only have the summary at their purview, see my exploration of these matters at the link here .

Thus, a conventional summarization could be disturbingly problematic.

There is a method of devising summaries that use a prompting strategy that aims to bolster generative AI toward attaining especially superb or at least better than usual kinds of summaries. The technique is known as chain-of-density (CoD). Anybody versed in prompt engineering ought to become familiar with this insightful technique. Consider chain-of-density as not only helpful for producing summaries but there are a lot of other benefits garnered by understanding how the technique works and how this can power up your overall prompting prowess all-told.

For my detailed coverage of the chain-of-density prompting technique, see the link here .

Allow me a moment to share some of those elicitations with you here.

When you are trying to craft a summary, you often might do so in a series of successive attempts. Your first shot might be to craft a summary that has only a few of the biggest points that need to be included. After considering the initial draft, the odds are that you might further refine the summary by adding more elements to it. This can go on and on. Depending on how thorough you are, you might do a handful or more of these refining iterations. Each iteration can be construed as a chain of iterative summaries, one leading to the next for a given instance of trying to write a summary.

That’s the “chain” part of this process.

Let’s add some further terminology to describe the summary-making effort.

A summary typically starts as somewhat sparse when you first toss it together. There isn’t much of any substance in the summary. You are usually seeking to further pack substance into the summary and do so while fighting the length of the summary. The more substance that you can jam into the summary, the higher the density of the summary.

We can give a name to the substance by saying that we are trying to identify important “entities” within the original content. Those entities might be facts or figures. The entities are said to be anything especially instrumental to the overall meaning of the original content. A hope is to carry over as many of the demonstrative entities as feasible into the summary.

Your summary-making process then is to iteratively devise a summary by starting with a sparse version and then adding more and more entities or substances to increase the density until you reach some desired or suitable end-state. The series of iterations acts as a chain. Each is used to connect to the next. You usually will retain the entities from one version to the next version, and be decidedly adding more of the entities available in the original as you seek to jampack the summary accordingly.

Reflect on the adage of putting five pounds of rocks into a three-pound bag.

Maybe you put one pound of rocks into the three-pound bag at the initial attempt. The bag is considered sparsely populated. There is still room to spare. The density is low. You then put a second pound of rocks into the bag. The density is increasing. The sparseness is lessening. Finally, you put in a third pound of rocks. You have hit the maximum density and the sparseness has presumably dropped to near zero.

Suppose that the bag can be elongated.

Wonderful, you exclaim, being overjoyed at having more available space. Imagine though that you are going to hand the bag over to someone else. The larger and heavier the bag, the less useful it becomes. The same applies to summaries.

A rule of thumb is that you want to minimize the length or size of the summary, meanwhile maximizing the summarization content. The two factors are often in contention with each other. You are tempted to increase the length to get more substance included. The length being increased will potentially undercut that the summary is supposed to be a summary.

A person might seemingly just go ahead and read the original content if the summary approaches the size of the original material being summarized. The summary isn’t especially a summary anymore at that juncture. Indeed, sometimes a summary turns out to be longer than the original content that is supposedly being summarized.

How can this be, you might be thinking?

The answer has to do with being extractive versus being abstractive.

During the summarization process, you are looking at two possibilities of the content being carried over into the summary. First, you aim to be extractive, primarily extracting key aspects and shoveling those into the summary. Second, you might at times be abstractive, whereby you go beyond the words themselves of the original content and begin to reinterpret or perhaps elaborate beyond what the summary per se has to say.

A purely extractive summary is more likely to be construed as a fair and balanced reflection of the original content. You are not changing things up. You are only carrying the essentials (entities) over into the summary. The problem with an abstractive summary is that you are potentially changing up things and will be biasing or in some manner altering the meaning found within the original content being summarized. The danger is that this kind of summary is no longer seen as fair and balanced, and instead is based on the perceptions and opinions of the summarizer.

In a sense, if you want an unadorned straightforward summary, you are better off with an extractive summary. If you want an adorned or embellished summary, that goes beyond the words presented in the original source, you might seek an abstractive summary. The thing is, the abstractive summary might no longer be an apt reflection of the original source. That is also how the summary might become longer than the original since the embellishments can possibly increase the size of things and you could find yourself looking at a summary that is much longer than the source used for the summary.

Focusing On Compression As An Extractive Form Of Summarization

The usual parlance when you want a strictly extractive form of summarization is to say that you want a compression of your text.

I should warn you though that the word “compression” means different things to different people. Some are willing to be abstractive when doing a compression. Others would be aghast at someone veering into an abstractive mode when doing what they consider to be a rightfully done compression. To them, compression must be stridently adherent to not rewording any aspect of the source text being used.

I will be showing you in the next section some examples of using prompts related to asking generative AI to do compression. You will immediately see that the word “compression” is relatively ambiguous to most generative AI apps. They might interpret the word to imply purely extractive, but more likely they will assume this means to be abstractive. You will need to nail down in detail what you want the AI to do. I will show you this.

What else should you be thinking about when it comes to doing compression in generative AI?

I am glad you asked.

A recent research study entitled “LLMLingua-2: Data Distillation for Efficient and Faithful Task-Agnostic Prompt Compression” by Zhuoshi Pan, QianhuiWu, Huiqiang Jiang, Menglin Xia, Xufang Luo, Jue Zhang, Qingwei Lin, Victor Rühle, Yuqing Yang, Chin-Yew Lin, H. Vicky Zhao, Lili Qiu, Dongmei Zhang, arXiv , March 19, 2024, made these salient points (excerpts):

• “This paper focuses on task-agnostic prompt compression for better generalizability and efficiency.”
• “We formulate prompt compression as a token classification problem to guarantee the faithfulness of the compressed prompt to the original one, and use a Transformer encoder as the base architecture to capture all essential information for prompt compression from the full bidirectional context.”
• “Recent years have witnessed the emergence of various prompting techniques for large language models (LLMs), such as Chain-of-Thought (COT), In-context Learning (ICL), and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). These techniques empower LLMs to handle complex and varied tasks through rich and informative prompts that may exceed tens of thousands of tokens.”
• “However, the benefits of such lengthy prompts come at a cost of increased computational and financial overhead, as well as the degraded information perception ability of LLMs. Prompt compression is a straightforward solution to address these issues, which attempts to shorten the original prompts without losing essential information.”

I’d like to explain some of those notable points to you.

First, one ongoing consideration is whether a compression prompt is written to be task-specific or task-agnostic.

A task-specific prompt is worded to fit a particular task at hand, such as if you were doing a compression of medical notes and you wanted the prompt to emphasize particular characteristics associated with medical lingo. The prompt is devised for that domain.

A task-agnostic prompt is broader and allows you to use it in a wide variety of circumstances. It is always best to have in your tool chest a task-agnostic prompt since you can use it on a generalized basis, plus you can tweak the wording for task-specific settings. The aim of the above research study was to focus on task-agnostic prompts for compression, which is handy for our purposes herein.

Second, we often speak of compression prompts as hopefully being faithful to the source material.

Faithfulness refers to the notion that the compression tries to retain crucial wording and not goof by removing something that will substantively undercut the meaning. Imagine that a sentence said “Do not cook for more than two minutes” and the compression lopped out the word “not”, leading to this compressed version of “Do cook for more than two minutes”. Ouch, your souffle might be ruined by your having used an unfaithful compression.

Third, an aspirational aim of compression is to be bidirectional, allowing that besides going from the source to a proper compressed version, you potentially can use the compressed version to get back to the source. This is not necessarily the case and opens quite a can of worms. Not everyone needs or expects to be able to return to the full source.

Fourth, it is worthwhile to note frequent circumstances whereby compression really shines.

Suppose that you are importing a ton of text into generative AI, see my explanation of importations prompting strategies at the link here . Or maybe you are using in-context modeling and relying on an external source of text, doing so via the use of RAG (retrieval augmented generation), see my discussion at the link here . And so on.

An important question that comes up is whether it is sensible to bring in the whole ball of wax or whether to try and somehow shorten what you need to bring in.

If you bring in a massive amount of text, you are fighting against the potential limits of generative AI. Those limits can severely degrade the results of the AI trying to cope with the text overload. You also have to consider potential costs. If you are paying for the use of generative AI, the longer-sized text is bound to be a costlier charge than if you could thin it down. Likewise, the servers used to compute the generative AI actions will consume more computational cycles and you will get a double whammy on cost.

I am sure that you immediately discern that a potential solution would be to compress the content, thus, you don’t have to confront the technical limits of the generative AI and might be able to keep your costs lower too. Whenever you are considering bringing into generative AI any large-scale body of text, please have alarm bells go off in your head that tell you to consider doing either compression or summarization. You will be glad that you considered the option.

Returning to the above research study facets, let’s see what they did and the results they found (excerpts):

• “We conduct extensive experiments and analysis on both in-domain (i.e., MeetingBank) and out-of-domain datasets (i.e., LongBench, ZeroScrolls, GSM8K, and Big Bench Hard).” (ibid).
• “Despite being small in size, our model shows significant performance gains over strong baselines and demonstrates robust generalization ability from GPT-3.5-Turbo to Mistral-7B.” (ibid).
• “Additionally, our model is 3x-6x faster than existing prompt compression methods, while accelerating the end-to-end latency by 1.6x-2.9x with compression ratios of 2x-5x.” (ibid).

You can see that they were able to attain some impressive results.

I especially applaud research on generative AI that includes multiple generative AI apps. I say this because each generative AI app differs from the other, ergo if a study exclusively uses only one generative AI app it is hard to claim that the same approach will work equally well on other generative AI apps. Here, it is good news for us that they tried different generative AI apps and essentially found similarly positive results.

I am sure you are eager to see an example of what their compression prompt was able to achieve.

Here is one such example from their study, in this case compressing a meeting transcript snippet from a database of such transcripts (excerpt):

• Original Text: “Item 15, report from City Manager Recommendation to adopt three resolutions. First, to join the Victory Pace program. Second, to join the California first program. And number three, consenting to the inclusion of certain properties within the jurisdiction in the California Hero program. It was emotion, motion, a second and public comment. CNN. Please cast your vote. Oh. Was your public comment? Yeah. Please come forward. I thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Members of the council. My name is Alex Mitchell. I represent the hero program. Just wanted to let you know that the hero program. Has been in California for the last three and a half years.”
• Compressed Text: “Item 15, City Manager Recommendation adopt three resolutions. Join Victory Pace program. Join California first program. Consent inclusion properties jurisdiction California Hero program. Emotion, motion, second, public comment. Cast vote. Public comment? Come forward. Alex Mitchell, represent Hero program. Hero program in California three half years.”

The original text has 109 words, while the compressed text has 46 words. The compression removed 63 words (that’s 109 words in total minus 46 words remaining = 63 words removed). You could say that roughly 58% of the source was removed (i.e., 58% of 109 is about 63). Well over half of the source has been removed.

Now comes the tough part.

Does the compressed version suitably capture the crux of the original text?

Has anything been removed that is essential and thus the compressed version has missed the boat?

I think you can likely see how hard a problem it is to do a proper compression if you try doing the same task yourself by hand. Here’s what I am saying. I want you to look at the original text and try to compress it. What would you remove? What would you leave in? How far can you go on this process, yet still ensure that the result has the needed points and is intelligible?

A twist involves settings where the original text itself is not necessarily that intelligible. A transcript is a great example of a thorny problem. The odds are that a transcript will contain filler words and utterances. Are they worthy of being retained or should those be removed? If you exhort it is obvious to remove the utterances, the issue there is that the tenor or tone of what was said could end up being removed. Perhaps that aspect is vital to comprehending the matter.

Besides deciding whether a compression has done a good job, you might also be wondering whether there is even more compression that can be performed.

Envision that we use a compression that does a good job and reduces the size of the source to half in size. But along comes a better approach that can do the same job and achieve a three-quarters reduction in size. Assuming that all else is equal, you would naturally seek to use the three-quarters reduction approach.

This can be tricky to compare. The greater the compression in terms of reducing the size, the more likely the odds that the compression isn’t going to be as intelligible or otherwise isn’t as apt. The criteria are usually battling with each other. The more reduction, the less of a good job in the sense of being usable and appropriate. The more of a good job you want, the less reduction you can usually achieve. Darned if you do, darned if you don’t.

The Compression Prompt As A Task-Agnostic Template

Congratulations, you have waded through the weeds to get to the crescendo.

Let’s see what the prompt template of their task-agnostic compression prompt consists of (excerpt):

• “System Prompt: You are an excellent linguist and very good at compressing passages into short expressions by removing unimportant words while retaining as much information as possible.”
• “User Prompt: Compress the given text to short expressions, such that you can reconstruct it as close as possible to the original.”
• “Unlike the usual text compression, I need you to comply with the 5 conditions below:”
• “1. You can ONLY remove unimportant words.”
• “2. Do not reorder the original words.”
• “3. Do not change the original words.”
• “4. Do not use abbreviations or emojis.”
• “5. Do not add new words or symbols.”

-“Compress the original aggressively by removing words only. Compress the original as short as you can, while retaining as much information as possible. If you understand, please compress the following text: {text to compress}”

I will be using that same prompt in a moment when I show you examples using ChatGPT and GPT-4.

Let’s briefly review the prompt and see what it contains.

First, the prompt tells the generative AI to invoke a persona. For my extensive coverage of personas in generative AI, see the link here and the link here . This is a powerful prompting technique.

Personas get the AI into a computational pattern-matching mode that can significantly aid whatever task you are trying to perform. In this instance, they are telling the AI that it is to pretend to be an excellent linguist and good at compressing passages of text. Nice touch.

Many users of generative AI fail to lean into personas when doing so would be especially advantageous. The use of a persona for amping up compression is a good move. Make sure to keep personas in your mind whenever using generative AI. You’ll be glad that you did.

Second, they provide five stipulated conditions for the compression. This is good since you want to provide as much guidance as you can when asking for a compression. I mentioned earlier that the word “compression” can be ambiguous. Spelling out the five stated conditions will give the AI important clues about what to do.

Third, the phrasing for AI that you use in a prompt ought to at times be emphatic. If you aren’t emphatic, the instructions might be ignored or downplayed. For example, telling the generative AI to aggressively do the compression is a means of guiding the AI toward doing a strident job. I should note that your being emphatic has a downside. The emphatic wording, if it goes way over the top, can trigger a mathematical and computational pattern-matching storm that will distract from what you are trying to undertake.

I believe that sufficiently outlines the keystones of the prompt. Just like buying a new car, we need to take this shiny new vehicle for a drive. Get yourself strapped in and ready for a wild ride.

Showcasing The Topic Via Examples In Generative AI

I will next proceed to showcase what happens when you use compression prompting while in a conversation with generative AI. I am going to use ChatGPT and GPT-4 to showcase my examples. ChatGPT and GPT-4 are sensible choices in this case due to their immense popularity as generative AI apps. An estimated one hundred million weekly active users are said to be utilizing ChatGPT and GPT-4. That’s a staggering number.

A few quick comments before we launch into using ChatGPT and GPT-4.

If you are going to try to do the same prompts that I show here, realize that the probabilistic and statistical properties will likely produce slightly different results than what I show here. That’s the nature of generative AI and how it is devised.

You also should expect that different generative AI apps will respond in different ways. Not all generative AI apps are the same. The key is that sometimes a particular prompt will work in one generative AI app and not another. You will need to undertake a series of trial-and-error attempts to ferret this out.

There is also the timing factor. A prompt that worked today might not work the same way tomorrow. Most of the generative AI apps are continually being updated. The updates might alter internal facets that could change how the AI reacts to your prompting.

We are ready to get underway and I will begin with ChatGPT.

You can do the same in whichever generative AI app that you are using.

As a heads-up, I decided to use Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address as the text that I wanted to have compressed. There are variations of his speech that can be readily found online. I opted to use a version that contains 271 words. Our aim in this mini-experiment will be to do a compression and see if we can reduce the size, along with retaining intelligibility and vital points.

I’m sure that you already know the speech, which starts this way “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure…”

Here we go.

• My entered prompt into ChatGPT: “I want you to compress an essay that I am going to give you. Are you ready?”
• ChatGPT generated response: “Yes, I'm ready to help compress your essay. Please provide the essay, and I'll assist you in condensing it.”
• My entered prompt into ChatGPT: “Here is the text of the Gettysburg address. Go ahead and compress it.”
• ChatGPT generated response: “Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered during the American Civil War, reflects on the nation's founding principles of liberty and equality. He honors those who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility to preserve freedom and uphold democratic government. Lincoln urges dedication to the unfinished task of ensuring the nation's survival and the continuation of its principles, emphasizing the importance of honoring the fallen and ensuring their sacrifice was not in vain.”

Take a look at the so-called compression that I got.

You right away certainly observed that the generated response is not a compression. It is more of a summary. Well, maybe not quite a summary either. It has indications that go beyond the text that was provided. This likely was tapped into by ChatGPT as per other prior data training about Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address in general during the initial setup of ChatGPT.

I’m glad this happened. You see, I wanted to show you this kind of an example to emphasize my earlier point that the word “compression” can be ambiguous. This was not the kind of compression I had in mind.

If at first, you don’t succeed, try and try again, as they say.

• My entered prompt into ChatGPT: “Let’s start over. I want you to compress the material. You are to use only the material provided and compress the contents. Don’t make any interpretations. Don’t do any rewording.”
• ChatGPT generated response: “Understood. Please provide the material you'd like me to compress, and I'll follow your instructions accordingly.”
• My entered prompt into ChatGPT: ”Here is the text to be compressed…”
• ChatGPT generated response: "87 years ago, our fathers founded a nation dedicated to liberty and equality. Now, in a great civil war, we honor those who sacrificed for our nation. It's fitting to dedicate this ground, yet their deeds surpass our words. We must continue their work, ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain. Let us resolve to uphold freedom and democratic government.”

I valiantly tried to convey to ChatGPT that I wanted a compression.

Though the result is more so a compression than the first run, it still isn’t a compression of the caliber we are looking for. One irksome thing was the “87 years ago” which is a kind of summary or interpretation of what the source says. Didn’t want that.

But I am somewhat pleased that the result came out badly because it shows that even if you try to be instructive about compression, the result still might not come out as hoped for. I think we are primed and ready to see if the compression prompting template will do any better with ChatGPT.

Are you ready to see?

Hold your breath.

• My entered prompt (based on the research prompt template): “You are an excellent linguist and very good at compressing passages into short expressions by removing unimportant words while retaining as much information as possible. Compress the text I am going to give you and compress the text into short expressions, and such that you (ChatGPT) can reconstruct it as close as possible to the original. Unlike the usual text compression, I need you to comply with 5 conditions. First condition: You can ONLY remove unimportant words. Second condition: Do not reorder the original words. Third condition: Do not change the original words. Fourth condition: Do not use abbreviations or emojis. Fifth condition: Do not add new words or symbols. Make sure to compress the original text aggressively by removing words only. Compress the original text as short as you can, while retaining as much information as possible. Do you understand these instructions?”
• ChatGPT generated response : “Yes, I understand the instructions. Please provide the text you'd like me to compress.”
• My entered prompt: ”Here is the text to be compressed…”
• ChatGPT generated response: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, a final resting place for those who gave their lives. It is fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, consecrate, hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, consecrated it. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living to be dedicated to the unfinished work they who fought here have nobly advanced. It is for us to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause—that we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish.”

Finally, we got a compression.

We are now in the right ballpark.

The compressed result has 217 words.

The original text has 271 words, while the compressed text has 217 words. The compression removed 54 words (that’s 271 words in total minus 217 words remaining = 54 words removed). You could say that roughly 20% of the source was removed (i.e., 20% of 271 is about 54). Approximately one-fifth was removed.

I dare say that’s not a compression ratio to be overly elated about. Look, I’m glad that we got the 20%, and I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth. It would seem intuitively we might be able to do better.

Note that the prompt doesn’t give a target level of compression. This is something you might consider adding to the prompt. I would first start without a target and just see what you get. Once you’ve seen the result of a first run, go ahead and consider redoing the prompt with a desired target level.

We must also of course consider whether the compressed version is any good at the get-go.

In the case of something like the Gettysburg Address, we could argue forever about the portions that were removed. It is tough since the entire speech is remarkable. Nearly every line and each word is astounding. Imagine trying to compress a poem, and the odds are that you will be leaving out facets that will break your heart.

Another reminder is that you should carefully consider what text you are going to compress and whether the compression, no matter how it works, will be able to reasonably do justice to the original text.

I went ahead and played with the compression prompt template and tried all kinds of variations. In the end, I decided that ChatGPT just doesn’t have the gravitas to go much further on this. I became exasperated and thought that for sure GPT-4, being more advanced than ChatGPT, would do a better job.

Let’s try using GPT-4 and see what happens.

• ​​ My entered prompt into GPT-4: “I want you to compress an essay that I am going to give you. Here is the text to be compressed…”
• GPT-4 generated response:

“To compress the text while retaining its essence, I'll remove some parts and rephrase others for brevity.”

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers founded a new nation on this continent, dedicated to liberty and the belief that all men are created equal. We are now in the midst of a great civil war, testing whether this nation, or any nation so conceived, can endure. We meet on a battle-field of that war, dedicating a part of it as a final resting place for those who gave their lives for this nation's survival. It's fitting and proper we do this.

“Yet, we can't dedicate, consecrate, or hallow this ground beyond what the brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have done. The world may not remember our words, but it can't forget their deeds. It's our task to be dedicated to the unfinished work they've advanced so nobly. From these honored dead we take increased devotion to their cause, resolving that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of, by, and for the people shall not perish."

“The compressed text has been reduced to 176 words.”

End of GPT-4 response

You can see that I first tried a vague prompt about compression.

Sure enough, the compression included rephrasing, which isn’t what I had in mind. No problem. You can’t expect generative AI to be reading minds (well, you soon can, as I explain is being researched, see my coverage at the link here ).

Similar to what I had done with ChatGPT, I will next try a compression prompt based on some simple wording. I will also include a target level of compression so you can see how that impacts the result.

Here’s what took place.

• My entered prompt into GPT-4: “Do the compression over again. You cannot do any rephrasing this time. You can only remove words. Compress as much as possible while abiding by these rules. Try to aim for a result that has 100 words or less.”

“To compress the text by only removing words without rephrasing, I'll select key sentences and phrases that capture the essence of the original message while significantly reducing the length. Given the constraints, this selection process aims to preserve the core themes of unity, dedication, and the importance of the struggle while adhering to the word count limit.”

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. It is for us the living, to be dedicated to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."

“The condensed version of the text is approximately 99 words in size while adhering to the rule of only removing words without rephrasing.”

Seems like GPT-4 did what I asked.

As always, it is important to gauge the intelligibility and aptness of the compression. I won’t delve into that here, other than to say it seemed basically on par with what might be expected, especially given the severe constraint of being around 100 words or less.

We are ready to try the compression prompt template.

• My entered prompt into GPT-4 (based on the research prompt template): “You are an excellent linguist and very good at compressing passages into short expressions by removing unimportant words while retaining as much information as possible. Compress the text I am going to give you and compress the text into short expressions, and such that you (ChatGPT) can reconstruct it as close as possible to the original. Unlike the usual text compression, I need you to comply with 5 conditions. First condition: You can ONLY remove unimportant words. Second condition: Do not reorder the original words. Third condition: Do not change the original words. Fourth condition: Do not use abbreviations or emojis. Fifth condition: Do not add new words or symbols. Make sure to compress the original text aggressively by removing words only. Compress the original text as short as you can, while retaining as much information as possible. Do you understand these instructions?”
• GPT-4 generated response : “Yes, I understand the instructions. Please provide the text you'd like me to compress.”
• My entered prompt into GPT4: ”Here is the text to be compressed…”
• GPT-4 generated response: “Four score seven years ago fathers brought forth continent, new nation, conceived Liberty, dedicated proposition men created equal. Now engaged great civil war, testing whether nation, any nation conceived dedicated, can long endure. Met great battle-field war. Come dedicate portion field, final resting place who gave lives nation might live. Altogether fitting proper do this. But, larger sense, can not dedicate—not consecrate—not hallow—ground. Brave men, living dead, struggled, have consecrated, above our power add detract. World will little note, nor long remember say here, but never forget did here. For us living, rather, dedicated here unfinished work fought have nobly advanced. Rather for us here dedicated great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead take increased devotion cause gave last full measure devotion—that here highly resolve dead not died in vain—that nation, under God, shall new birth freedom—and government people, by people, for people, shall not perish earth.”

Note that I didn’t give a target level this time and thus the size of the result was based on the general tenor of the compression prompt about being aggressive on the compression.

The original text has 271 words, while the compressed text has 156 words. The compression removed 115 words (that’s 271 words in total minus 156 words remaining = 115 words removed). You could say that roughly 42% of the source was removed (i.e., 42% of 271 is about 115). We were nearing maybe half being removed. Remarkable.

I’ll mention that as always, we would want to closely scrutinize the compressed version. All the other caveats I’ve mentioned still apply.

My recommendation to you is that you try doing some compression prompting exercises via whichever generative AI app you are customarily using. Do so now, before you suddenly discover the need to do a compression. It would be wise to be prepared.

Proceed as follows. First, make use of vague compression prompts and see what happens. Next, fine-tune those prompts and look anew at what happens. Then, try the mentioned compression prompt and gauge how it goes for you. Tweak the prompt as needed. Keep on practicing until you feel you’ve gotten the right swing of things. Reward yourself accordingly.

A final thought for now on this matter.

John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn, the famed British statesman, and journalist, said this about compression: “The essence of a quote is the compression of a mass of thought and observation into a single saying.”

Compression is not an easy task. Any wanton approach can easily do compression if you are willing to toss intelligibility and aptness out the window. Getting generative AI to do erstwhile compression requires soundness on the part of the person entering the prompts. They also need to carefully review the result and not wantonly hand off the compressed version to others who might be unaware of what the original had to say.

Please remember that I energetically asked you to consider practicing doing compressions in generative AI, so that when the day arrives that you must do so, you are ready with the axe firmly in hand.

The last line today suitably goes to Abraham Lincoln: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax."

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