Claiming mastery of the word : The power of discourse in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and George Orwell's 1984

Abstract

In this thesis, the main objective is to look at the power of discourse in relation to two dystopian texts, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four (1948) and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 (1953). Additionally, the thesis proposes how these two texts, as well as literary texts in general, are suitable for the teaching of English as a foreign language (TEFL) in upper secondary school, especially in terms of a pupil’s personal development. Since a majority of dystopian literary texts are concerned with systematic corruption of power and technology, this thesis explores how discourse – in its many forms – may be used to both maintain and disrupt power relations in totalitarian and authoritarian societies. It also suggests that these power relations may exist in other parts of society, including the classroom. Finally, this thesis seeks to prove that discourse is made powerful through both positive and negative discursive practices.