Description
Explore symbolism in George Orwell’s 1984 and evaluate text-based evidence using these symbol tracker graphic organizers! Includes a variety of assignment options with editable and ready-to-print rubrics. Suitable for online learning and Google Classroom®!
Included with these Symbolism in 1984 Graphic Organizers by George Orwell:
- Symbol Tracker Graphic Organizers – Digital & Print
- Track the characteristics and associated themes related to Winston’s ulcer, the singing prole woman, the glass paperweight, Julia’s anti-sex sash, and more!
- Symbolism in 1984 Assignment Instructions – Editable & Ready-to-Print
- Symbolism in 1984 Essay Writing Prompt – Editable & Ready-to-Print
- Detailed Answer Key
- 4-Level Rubrics – Editable & Ready-to-Print
- Teacher Instructions for using this resource
How to use these Symbolism in 1984 Activities:
1984 by George Orwell is a classic dystopian novel recounting one man’s rebellion against an oppressive and restrictive regime. Rich with parallels to historical and modern societies, this story highlights themes surrounding propaganda, surveillance, misinformation, and mass control. Through Orwell’s masterful storytelling, readers witness the consequences of absolute power and the dangers of a society stripped of individual freedom. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to critically evaluate the world around them and recognize the subtle ways in which control can be exerted.
Orwell’s use of symbolism draws attention to the dark realities of his dystopian society in a subtle yet meaningful way. Symbolism in 1984 plays a crucial role in enhancing the themes of control, oppression, and rebellion. Promote close reading and analysis of text-based evidence using these symbol tracker graphic organizers, designed to help students engage deeply with Orwell’s intricate use of literary devices. By dissecting key symbols, students can uncover the layers of meaning embedded in the text and develop a richer understanding of the novel’s messages.
These symbol tracker graphic organizers have students explore major symbols in the novel, including Winston’s ulcer, the singing prole woman, the glass paperweight, and Julia’s anti-sex sash. Each of these symbols carries significant thematic weight, representing various aspects of symbolism in 1984. Students will analyze text evidence to interpret the important characteristics and associated themes of each symbol, allowing them to build connections between the text and the broader implications of Orwell’s warnings about totalitarianism. The activity encourages students to recognize how symbols evolve throughout the narrative and how they reinforce the oppressive atmosphere of the novel.
You can begin with this activity at the start of your novel study for 1984. As a symbol reappears, you can prompt students to fill out their graphic organizer with the relevant information, and discuss the relationship between the symbol and the chapter as a whole. This ongoing process of documentation and reflection helps students track patterns, identify recurring motifs, and deepen their comprehension of symbolism in 1984. Students will analyze characteristics of the symbol and also take note of where the symbol is appearing. They will also be prompted to consider if the symbol is changing, adapting, or reinforcing a specific theme. All of this information can be used to then determine what theme or “big idea” each symbol represents, strengthening their analytical and critical thinking skills.
For an alternative group activity, students can work in groups to track a single symbol. This collaborative approach fosters discussion and a shared understanding of symbolism in 1984. Students can fill out the symbol tracker graphic organizer every time their assigned symbol appears in the novel; near the end of your unit study, students can be grouped together based on their assigned symbol and discuss their analysis. This allows for an in-depth exploration of the development of symbols across the narrative, enabling students to synthesize their findings and articulate their interpretations with clarity. Encouraging peer discussions enhances engagement and allows students to see different perspectives on Orwell’s use of symbolism.
There are two assessments included in this symbolism activity for George Orwell’s 1984: The first involves developing and delivering a slideshow presentation about one symbol. This assignment is a great option for students tracking symbols within the novel in groups. Through visual and verbal communication, students will present their findings, showcasing their ability to analyze and interpret symbolism in 1984. By integrating textual evidence into their presentations, students will learn how to effectively support their claims and articulate their ideas to an audience.
The second assignment is an essay writing prompt related to symbolism in 1984; this is a great option for students tracking symbols independently. This assignment challenges students to construct a well-organized and insightful essay that delves into the significance of a chosen symbol. Students will be required to support their arguments with direct quotations and thorough analysis, demonstrating their ability to engage with the text critically.
Both assignments prompt students to include text evidence from 1984, and to reference their quotations appropriately. This ensures that students develop essential academic skills such as citing sources, constructing arguments, and presenting well-supported interpretations of literary elements. By engaging with symbolism in 1984, students will refine their abilities to analyze literature and articulate their thoughts in both written and spoken formats.
Additionally, 4-level rubrics have been provided for both the slideshow presentation and essay assignment. These rubrics are provided in editable and ready-to-print formats, allowing for customization to align with different assessment criteria. The rubrics offer clear expectations for grading, ensuring consistency in evaluation and helping students understand the criteria for success.
To consolidate this activity, detailed answer keys have also been provided. These answer keys offer insights into the interpretation of key symbols, allowing teachers to facilitate meaningful discussions and provide constructive feedback. The inclusion of answer keys ensures that students receive guided support as they navigate the complexities of symbolism in 1984, reinforcing their understanding and appreciation of Orwell’s literary techniques.
✨ Kindly note that due to copyright restrictions, this resource is not editable. This is a common practice within the online marketplace in order to protect the clipartists and software providers that have authorized their intellectual property for the development of this resource.
See what other teachers are saying about this Symbolism in 1984:
“Really challenged us as a class to think deeply and critically about these symbols. The example included was a good introduction to analysing symbols but also to show that everyone sees things differently … many thanks …”
– Alana T.
⭒ For classrooms utilizing Google Classroom® ⭒
To access the digital version of these worksheets, simply follow the instructions within the resource to copy the files directly to your Google Drive®.
