1984 Discussion Notes - Dystopian Fiction & Totalitarianism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to 1984, dystopian fiction, and totalitarianism as discussed in the notes.

Dystopian fiction

A genre depicting oppressive and frightening societies; often serves as a warning about the future.

Utopian

An ideal, perfect society—the opposite of a dystopia.

Totalitarian regime

A political system where the state, often led by a single party and a dictator, holds absolute control over all aspects of public and private life.

Nazism

The far-right, totalitarian ideology and political party led by Adolf Hitler in Germany, promoting the supremacy of the Aryan (Master) race, antisemitism, and a dictatorship that led to the Holocaust.

Stalinism

The totalitarian political and economic system created by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, characterized by rigid party-state control, absolute dictatorship, and distortions of Marxism-Leninism.

Oceania

The fictional totalitarian state where the novel 1984 takes place.

Surveillance

Constant monitoring of citizens, including by technology and by neighbors or even children, to enforce conformity.

Propaganda

Distortion of reality or biased information used to manipulate public opinion; a warning against blindly believing it.

Aryan race (Master race)

Nazism’s belief in the supremacy of a supposed Aryan or Master race.

Holocaust

The Nazi genocide during World War II, targeting Jews and other groups.

Snowden files

Documents leaked by Edward Snowden revealing NSA surveillance activities.

Environmental disasters

Catastrophic environmental events often featured in dystopian settings to illustrate societal collapse.

Loss of freedom

The erosion or removal of basic rights and personal liberties in a dystopian society.

Warning for readers

A purpose of dystopian fiction to alert readers to potential dangers in real society.

Cautionary tale

A story that warns readers about the consequences of political or social choices.