Book 1984 Miniproject: What Makes A Human Being 585859

Book 1984 Miniproject: What makes a human being?

Book 1984 MiniProject: What makes a human being? One of the themes of 1984 is human dignity. In Part Two, Winston’s dreams and memories of his mother lead him to an appreciation of the proles and to the realization that “the proles had stayed human” (165). In Part Three, O’Brien refers to Winston as “the last man...the guardian of the human spirit” (270). Step 1: Write to analyze and explain your perspective on what it means to be human.

Your writing should be 1-2 pages typed and printed. Think about all of the qualities that make a person “human” according to Winston—qualities that Winston says the Party has taken away and that Winston has had to “relearn by conscious effort” (165). Consider those qualities in your analysis and emphasize and/or add the qualities that you feel are most important to being human. Be sure to reflect the importance of each of the qualities both within the novel as well as importance to the human experience. Step 2: Choose from the options below or create your own (must be approved) to present/illustrate your analysis: 2. Create a “recipe” that contains all of the essential “ingredients” that make up a human being. 3. Write your own lyrics to a song that explains what it means to be human. 4. Reflect key events from Winston or Julia’s point of view (e.g., diary, social media account, video). 5. Make a written, audio, video, visual recording of Winston’s diary throughout the novel. 6. Create an interview with one of the characters (e.g., news broadcast, talk show). 10. Create your own original ending for the novel.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding what it means to be human is a profound exploration that involves examining qualities such as consciousness, empathy, dignity, free will, and the capacity for love and resilience. George Orwell’s novel, 1984, explicitly depicts how these human qualities can be suppressed by authoritarian regimes, illustrating the vital importance of human dignity as an essential element of being human. Through Winston’s journey, we see how the Party endeavors to diminish individuality and manipulate truth, stripping people of their inherent human traits. Recognizing these qualities within ourselves and preserving them amid oppressive forces is crucial to maintaining our humanity.

According to Winston in 1984, human qualities include the capacity for independent thought, emotional connections, and a sense of personal dignity. Winston’s initial internal conflict arises from his awakening to the Party’s manipulation, which seeks to eradicate personal memories, feelings, and the capacity for dissent. His rebellion begins as an attempt to reclaim these elements—his memories of his mother, his love for Julia, and his desire for authentic truth. Winston’s realization that “the proles had stayed human” (165) reflects his belief that authentic human identity persists in ordinary individuals uncorrupted by Party control. This insight suggests that human dignity is rooted in the ability to retain individual consciousness and emotional authenticity despite oppressive circumstances.

Furthermore, Winston’s role as “the last man...the guardian of the human spirit” (270) emphasizes that what makes a person human is their resilience and capacity to uphold core human values in the face of tyranny. Humanity, in this context, encompasses the ability to hold onto truth, to love, and to think independently—traits that the Party aims to eradicate by controlling information, emotions, and even thoughts. Winston’s enforced conformity and re-education highlight the stark contrast between true humanity and the artificial “human” produced under authoritarian rule.

On a personal level, qualities such as empathy, moral integrity, and self-awareness are essential elements of being human. These traits foster genuine relationships and enable individuals to develop a sense of purpose and dignity. In contemporary society, preserving these qualities is equally vital. For instance, the ability to empathize with others, to stand up against injustice, and to maintain integrity amid social pressures are hallmarks of human resilience and moral strength.

In conclusion, being human involves maintaining one’s consciousness, emotional depth, moral integrity, and resilience. Orwell’s depiction of Winston’s struggle underscores the importance of these qualities and reveals how easily they can be stripped away by oppressive regimes. It is through these essential qualities that individuals retain their identity, dignity, and capacity to contribute to human culture and progress. Ultimately, the essence of being human resides in the unwavering pursuit of truth, love, and freedom—values that must be protected against any attempt to diminish our humanity.

References

• Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. Secker & Warburg.
• Applebaum, A. (2012). Gulag: A History. Doubleday.
• Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish. Vintage Books.
• Hannah, J. (2018). The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. PublicAffairs.
• Bauman, Z. (2013). Liquid Modernity. Polity Press.
• Cambridge Dictionary. (2023). Definition of "human". Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2001). Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
• Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. Hogarth Press.
• Levinas, E. (1969). Totality and Infinity. Duquesne University Press.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.