compsrison Flashcards
(42 cards)
Quote from 1984 that symbolises brutal state power.
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever.”
Context behind Orwell’s depiction of power in 1984.
Inspired by totalitarian regimes like Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany.
Quote from The Handmaid’s Tale about inequality in power systems.
“Better never means better for everyone. It always means worse for some.”
Critical view on power in 1984 by Raymond Williams.
Orwell exposes “the use of power for power’s sake.”
How does Orwell use setting to reinforce power and control in 1984?
Bleak, colourless London reflects oppression; Ministries dominate skyline.
Iconic phrase symbolising surveillance in 1984.
“Big Brother is watching you.”
Phrase from The Handmaid’s Tale reflecting religious surveillance.
“Under His Eye.”
Foucault’s idea related to surveillance.
Surveillance leads to internalised discipline — a panopticon effect.
How does Gilead enforce surveillance in The Handmaid’s Tale?
Through religious language and fear of betrayal, even among women.
How is internalised surveillance shown in The Handmaid’s Tale?
Handmaids monitor each other and themselves; fear is embedded.
Orwell’s quote on truth and freedom.
“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four.”
Phrase of resistance in The Handmaid’s Tale.
“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”
How is language used in 1984 to control truth?
Through Newspeak and doublethink, altering perceptions of reality.
Critical view from Coral Ann Howells on language in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Language is “a battleground for ideological control.”
What role does the Ministry of Truth play in 1984?
It falsifies records and rewrites history to maintain Party control.
Orwell’s quote on sexual repression.
“The sex instinct creates a world of its own… they want to abolish orgasm.”
Institutional ritual symbolising sexual control in The Handmaid’s Tale.
“The Ceremony”
Historical context for Atwood’s gender themes.
Inspired by 1980s Christian fundamentalism and anti-feminist backlash.
Atwood’s own comment on historical accuracy.
“Nothing in the book hasn’t happened somewhere in history.”
How are the Aunts used to control gender roles in The Handmaid’s Tale?
They indoctrinate Handmaids, reinforcing patriarchal values and shame.
Winston’s final act of rebellion in 1984.
“To die hating them, that was freedom.”
Quote showing erasure of women’s resistance in The Handmaid’s Tale.
“We were the people who were not in the papers.”
How does Offred resist oppression?
Through memory, storytelling, and internal defiance.
Elaine Showalter’s view on female resistance.
Resistance is shown “through narrative.”
