“WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” This is one of the most important quotes in the novel 1984 that explains the relevancy in today’s time.
The dystopian novel “1984” written by George Orwell is one of the most taught books in school curriculums. It is taught because of the relevancy in today’s world. Saucon Valley High School is one of the schools that implemented this beautiful novel. However, should it be adapted in every school across the United States?
This has been a controversial topic around the United States because of the content in the book. The sexual content mixed with the very controversial political viewpoints implemented causes concerns with parents around the United States. However, there are many students and teachers that encourage the implementation of “1984” in school curriculums.
After interviewing a few students, they all had the same general opinion about the book. Senior Michael Madison said, “From a quick initial skim I can say I’m hooked! The novel’s examination of totalitarianism in both the political and societal level resonates with certain situations in today’s society. Some scenarios seem far fetched, yet not so much when the book explains how society reached that spot. This phenomenon effectively makes me think about our current society, politics, and events in comparison to the book’s.”
In comparison, Senior Kristen Lussier stated, “ I actually am starting to enjoy the book now that I started reading it and I am always in for a good dystopian so it’s interesting to me.”
Students seem to really enjoy the novel because of the very interesting plot and the relevancy to today’s world. Many students like senior Kristen Lussier stated, “there is some relevance to the book especially with everything going on today and things being speculated of companies listening to us, selling information to the government, things like that.” Many different students agree that “1984” teaches them valuable lessons that can support them in their adult journeys. It teaches students about safety when posting private information and caution when hearing or reading about information. It is always good to hear both sides of a story before making assumptions. Many teachers also agree that this novel should be kept in school curriculums. For example, in 1961 a teacher named Thomas J. C. Fogel was reinstated after being dismissed for assigning 1984 in Wrenshall, Minnesota.
Current Honors English 12 teacher Colleen Wetmore stated, “It also explores the importance of language. The Party’s creation of “Newspeak” shows how limiting vocabulary can limit thought. That connects directly to skills students need—analyzing rhetoric, recognizing bias, and understanding how language shapes ideas. On a personal level, the story of Winston helps students think about individuality, freedom, and what it means to resist pressure to conform.”
Many other English teachers such as English 12 teacher Brooke Blair say that there is academic merit to “1984.” She stated, “1984 provides a magnification of the issues that could significantly alter our reality when left unchecked.”
Based on the teacher and students interviews, Saucon Valley High School will keep implementing “1984” because of the relevance in today’s times and because of the academic merit that it provides.
