Lit_Happens Podcast

1984 in 2026: How Narratives Still Control Everything | Lit Happens S2E15

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In this episode we explore George Orwell’s 1984 as a powerful mentor text for Year 11 Module A – Narratives that Shape Our World. We break down how the Party weaponises storytelling to control truth, memory and thought, and why the novel remains urgently relevant in 2026. You’ll get clear context, key concepts, must-know techniques, strong thesis ideas, and practical teaching strategies to help your students analyse how narratives shape ideas, values and attitudes — while building the sophisticated skills needed for HSC success.

Lit or Quit

Turning 1984 into 2026 memes and TikToks — does it give the story new power to change the world, or just prove the Party still controls the narrative?

Key Questions Explored

  • How does 1984 link to the Narratives that Shape Our World module?
  • What historical and biographical context makes the text so powerful today?
  • What are the central concepts and themes worth exploring with Year 11 students?
  • What key literary techniques should students master?
  • How can students develop strong Module A essays and creative responses?

    • Highlights from the Episode

    • Module A focus: How narratives construct and reshape ideas, values and attitudes across contexts, modes and mediums
    • Historical context: Written 1948–49, drawing from Stalinist Russia, Nazi Germany and the emerging Cold War; reflects fears of totalitarianism, propaganda and surveillance
    • Core concepts: Narratives as instruments of control, mutability of truth and memory, language as a tool to limit thought (Newspeak & doublethink), individual vs collective narratives
    • Key techniques: Newspeak, slogans, symbolism (Big Brother, telescreens, glass paperweight), dramatic irony, embedded narratives (Winston’s diary, Goldstein’s book), foreshadowing
    • Essay & creative strategies: Strong theses on narrative power, integrating context and form, adapting scenes (e.g., Winston’s diary as a 2026 social media thread), reflective statements on compositional choices
    • Modern resonance: Surveillance, misinformation, digital control — perfect for connecting Orwell’s world to students’ lived experience

      • Connect with Us

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      • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
      • Email: [email protected]

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        Share your favourite way to teach 1984 or a modern narrative connection in the comments – we’ll feature the best ones next episode!

        Music produced by

        Instagram – @tmob2k

        YouTube – @tmob2000

        Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12.

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