1984 by George Orwell Fun Activity: Stockholm Syndrome Real World Connection

I created this lesson because the ending torture scenes in 1984 always leave my students confused and asking a lot of questions. As Winston is tortured by O’Brien, he exclaims that “he had never loved [O’Brien] so deeply as in this moment”(252). Try explaining that scene to tenth graders! :)This lesson asks students to analyze the ending scene from a psychological lens by exploring the concept of Stockholm Syndrome. This interesting concept will help your students better understand what happens to Winston at the end of the novel. Plus, your students will be engaged during this lesson, since they will find Stockholm Syndrome very interesting to learn about. During class discussion, my students have so many thoughts to share and they are actually excited about the topic. This is why I love teaching this set of lessons.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT...

This is a 2-3 hour close reading & writing activity that should be completed after reading book 3, chapter 2 of 1984. There are 3 lessons included in this purchase. The included slideshow walks students through each of the activities, making it easy to implement into any high school ELA classroom.

Students learn about the psychological phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome by taking brief notes on a four minute video clip that explains the syndrome. Next, students read short excerpts that further explain the Stockholm Syndrome to further their understanding. After, students examine excerpts from 1984 and answer close reading questions where they are asked to make connections between the torture scenes in 1984 and Stockholm Syndrome. The close reading and questions prepare students for the third lesson which is a literary analysis paragraph. This writing assignment is structured to improve students’ skills of embedding quotes and writing strong commentary. This is a great activity for your classroom if you are wanting your students to make real world connections to 1984.

WHAT IS INCLUDED...

• 20 Page Teaching Slideshow including clear instruction for each assignment and teacher notes and tips for ease of implementation
• 3 Digital Lessons originally created to be completed digitally, but spaced out and ready to print if you prefer students work by hand.
• Step 1 doc. includes 1984 excerpts and questions from book 3, chapter 2
• Step 2 doc. includes Stockholm Syndrome questions, media clip, and activities to make connections to 1984
• Step 3 doc. includes a paragraph writing outline activity focused on embedding quotes & analysis skills.  
• Answer Keys for 1984 chapter questions from step 1 doc. & step 2 doc.
• Paragraph Rubrics included for all three lessons

Note: This resource can be used in the classroom or as an online-learning/ at home resource for high school ELA students. You can share the digital lessons with your students via Google Classroom or by posting it on your platform of choice.

I hope you enjoy completing this activity with your students. It is very structured so it can function as a quick and easy sub plan if needed. Let me know how this activity works in your ELA classroom. 

CHECK-OUT MORE OF MY 1984 RESOURCES...

If you would like more activities that make 1984 relevant to students and our current world, check out the following as well:  

I LOVE the challenge of making 1984 activities FUN and HIGHLY ENGAGING for our students. Here are more 1984 projects and activities to keep your students invested in Orwell's novel:

➡️This 1984 Unit Plan Bundle will keep your students engaged for the next 5 weeks!

➡️This Close Reading & Paragraph Writing (Dating in North Korea) explores the dating practices in North Korea and students make connections to the “relationships” in Orwell's 1984. 

➡️This Close Reading & Literary Analysis Paragraph Writing provides your students with structured paragraph writing practice to strengthen their argumentative skills.

➡️For this 1984 Activity: China's Social Credit System, students analyze an eerie example of Big Brother in real life: Students learn about China's Social Credit System which has been implemented by the Chinese government in cities all over China. Students closely examine engaging media clips about the credit system, then complete three writing lessons in which they make connections to 1984. Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know how these activities work in your classroom. I love hearing your feedback!

Thank you!

On-the-Go English Teacher