Finding Nemo Big Brother

In a few days we will begin reading George Orwell’s classic, 1984. One of the central characters in the novel is named Big Brother. When I search Google for the phrase “Big Brother,” over one million examples are found. Obviously the phrase “Big Brother” has become a permanent part of our culture, and it might help us when we begin reading the novel if we understand what this phrase means and how it is used. Please complete the following “Search for Big Brother” assignment:

Search the Internet for references to “Big Brother.” You might use Google or Yahoo or a variety of other searches to assist your search. Avoid references to the Big Brother/Big Sister program that refers to mentoring younger children.

Find references to Big Brother in at least three different genres. You may choose from the following, or find other categories:

· Books (other than 1984 and Spark, Monkey, Cliff and other Note sites about the book)

· Business

· Newspapers · Art of theater

· Magazines · Television or film

· Music · An organization or business

· Poetry · Speeches

· Essays · Humor (jokes, cartoons)

· Editorials · Political cartoons

Try to find examples that your classmates will not find (look beyond the first search page).

Print these examples and include a paragraph of your own, explaining what you think the phrase “Big Brother” means. Explain how you think this meaning cuts across the different genres you have selected. Bring the examples and your explanation to class on the due date. Be prepared to discuss and share in groups.

From: Gallagher, Kelly Deeper Reading: Comprehending Challenging Texts, 4-12. Stenhouse Publishers, 2004.