Communication technologies (such as the "telescreen" and "speakwrite") play an important role in George Orwell's novel 1984, especially when we think about the invented language "newspeak" as a technology.

In 1949, shortly after the novel was first released, the New York Times reviewed George Orwell's novel 1984 and noted that the book was a "great work" but that "its greatness is only immediate, its power for us alone, now, in this generation, this decade, this year...it is doomed to be the pawn of time."

In this blog entry, imagine you are a well-read journalist or book reviewer who has decided to put the New York Times book review in its place. You have decided to DISAGREE by carefully considering the question: In what way is the communication technology of 1984 relevant today, 60 years after it was written?

To support your argument, discuss a single section in depth from the portion of the book assigned so far. For instance, you could analyze a passage, a scene, a chapter, a character, or a sub-plot and relate it to a contemporary concern or problem. (Properly cite quotes, examples, and ideas that you reference.)

To receive full credit for this assignment, you must demonstrate that you have read the text. Citing a short passage from the first few pages or discussing only plot details listed on the back cover of the book (or in the Spark Notes) will not count as "in depth."

Post an answer of at least 300 words to your blog. DEADLINE: your blog post should be online at 11 a.m. -- one hour before class begins.

Suggestions:
There are many, many ways to successfully answer this question. Here are a few examples of technology in 1984 you might relate to today:

• the use of communication technology for surveillance
• the role of communication technology in politics
• the use of communication technology to manipulate history or memory
• legal controls on communication technology in 1984 and the present
• the intentional manipulation of language
• technological determinism (Did the technologies of 1984 cause the society of 1984? Do today's technologies cause social consequences in the same way?)
• the relationship between dissent/resistance and communication technology
• and many more...