Assignment paper no 107 : Big Brother in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

Assignment - 1 :  Big Brother in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

Table of Contents :

Personal Information

Assignment Details

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

About Author

Surveillance and AI: A Digital Panopticon

Language Manipulation and Misinformation

AI and Thought Control

The Role of Social Media in Mass Surveillance

Ethical and Legal Implications

Conclusion

Personal Information:-

Name:- Bhumi Mahida

Batch:-  M.A. Sem 2 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230032

E-mail Address:- bhumimahida385@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 2

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Big Brother in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media

Paper & subject code:- 107 - The Twentieth Century Literature from WW 2 to the end of the Century.

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:-

Abstract :

This paper explores the relevance of George Orwell’s 1984 in the modern age of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. It examines how AI-driven surveillance, misinformation, and predictive policing parallel Orwellian themes of thought control, language manipulation, and mass surveillance. By analyzing contemporary examples such as facial recognition, algorithmic bias, and social media content moderation, this paper highlights the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI. The study emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to balance security and privacy while preventing the emergence of a digital dystopia.

Keywords : Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance, Social Media, Orwellian Control.

Introduction :

George Orwell's 1984 introduced the concept of "Big Brother," symbolizing a surveillance state where individual freedoms are suppressed through constant monitoring and propaganda. In today's digital era, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media has brought Orwellian fears into reality. Governments, corporations, and even individuals wield AI-powered surveillance tools that challenge privacy, autonomy, and democracy. This paper explores how AI and social media contribute to modern-day "Big Brother" surveillance, drawing connections to Orwell’s 1984 and examining the ethical and societal implications of AI-driven control.

About Author:

George Orwell (1903–1950) was a British writer, journalist, and political thinker known for his sharp critique of totalitarianism, social injustice, and government propaganda. His most famous works, 1984 and Animal Farm, explore themes of surveillance, political oppression, and the manipulation of truth. Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair, served in the Spanish Civil War, which deepened his skepticism toward authoritarian regimes. His writings, influenced by his experiences with imperialism and war, continue to shape discussions on privacy, censorship, and the abuse of power in modern society.

1. Surveillance and AI: A Digital Panopticon :

The use of AI in surveillance has led to unprecedented levels of monitoring. Governments and corporations deploy AI-powered facial recognition, predictive analytics, and automated tracking systems to collect vast amounts of personal data. In Orwell's 1984, telescreens and hidden microphones ensured that citizens were constantly watched. Today, security cameras equipped with AI, social media data mining, and internet browsing tracking serve a similar function. According to Thorp (1984), Orwell’s 1984 was a warning against the rise of totalitarian surveillance that exploits technology to maintain control.

One contemporary example is China’s Social Credit System, which monitors citizens’ behaviors through AI-driven analysis of online activities, financial transactions, and social interactions. Similarly, Western governments use AI in policing through predictive crime analysis, mirroring Orwellian “thoughtcrime” policing, where deviations from government-approved behaviors are punished.

2. Language Manipulation and Misinformation :

Orwell emphasized the power of language in controlling thought through "Newspeak," a language designed to eliminate rebellious thoughts. Today, AI algorithms on social media platforms manipulate public discourse by curating content, amplifying certain ideologies, and suppressing dissenting voices. AI-driven misinformation campaigns, deepfakes, and biased newsfeeds shape public perception, creating an environment where truth becomes subjective.

Blakemore (1984) argues that Orwell’s concern with language manipulation is evident in how digital platforms dictate what information reaches users. AI algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, leading to echo chambers where individuals only see content that reinforces their preexisting beliefs. This phenomenon weakens democratic discourse and allows governments or corporations to subtly manipulate opinions, much like the Party’s control over truth in 1984.

3. AI and Thought Control :

AI is increasingly being used to monitor and predict human behavior. Corporations analyze user data to create psychological profiles, influencing purchasing decisions and political preferences. AI-driven content moderation on platforms like Facebook and Twitter determines what speech is acceptable, restricting free expression under the guise of combating misinformation.

In 1984, the Party maintained control through the Thought Police, punishing individuals for harboring rebellious thoughts. Similarly, today’s AI can predict user behaviors based on past online interactions, potentially leading to preemptive actions against individuals suspected of dissent. This predictive policing raises ethical concerns about free will and the fairness of AI-based decision-making.

4. The Role of Social Media in Mass Surveillance :

Social media platforms serve as voluntary surveillance networks, where users willingly share personal data, unknowingly feeding AI algorithms that analyze their behavior. Governments and corporations mine this data for targeted advertising, political manipulation, and law enforcement purposes.

Pauline T. Kim (2021) discusses how AI-driven surveillance in workplaces raises privacy concerns, as employees are monitored through AI-based tracking systems. This mirrors Orwell’s depiction of constant surveillance, where individuals are watched not only in public but also in their personal lives. The increasing normalization of surveillance threatens the fundamental right to privacy, making digital spaces as scrutinized as Orwell’s Oceania.

5. Ethical and Legal Implications :

The widespread use of AI in surveillance presents serious ethical and legal challenges. While AI enhances security and convenience, it also erodes personal freedoms. Ethical concerns include biases in AI surveillance, where marginalized communities face disproportionate scrutiny. Additionally, lack of transparency in AI decision-making limits accountability, making it difficult for individuals to challenge wrongful surveillance practices.

Legal frameworks have struggled to keep pace with AI’s rapid advancements. Although the European Union has implemented strict data privacy laws under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other regions lack comprehensive regulations. Orwell’s warning in 1984 about unchecked government power is more relevant than ever, as AI technologies outpace legal and ethical oversight.

Conclusion :

Orwell’s 1984 predicted a future dominated by surveillance, thought control, and language manipulation—elements that have become a reality in the age of AI and social media. AI-driven surveillance, misinformation campaigns, and predictive policing mirror the mechanisms of control depicted in 1984, raising concerns about privacy, autonomy, and democracy. Without proper regulation and ethical AI development, the modern world risks succumbing to a digital dystopia where "Big Brother" is not just a metaphor but an unavoidable reality.

To mitigate these risks, governments and tech companies must implement stronger privacy protections, ensure transparency in AI systems, and promote digital literacy to empower users against manipulation. Only by acknowledging Orwell’s warnings and addressing the ethical challenges of AI and social media can we prevent the realization of a society where "Big Brother is watching" becomes an inescapable truth.

Words : 1637

Images : 02

References :

Blakemore, Steven. “Language and Ideology in Orwell’s 1984.” Social Theory and Practice, vol. 10, no. 3, 1984, pp. 349–56. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23556571. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kim, Pauline T., and Matthew T. Bodie. “Artificial Intelligence and the Challenges of Workplace Discrimination and Privacy.” ABA Journal of Labor & Employment Law, vol. 35, no. 2, 2021, pp. 289–316. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27186005. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Lowne, Cathy. "Nineteen Eighty-four". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nineteen-Eighty-four. Accessed 15 March 2025.

Thorp, Malcolm R. “The Dynamics of Terror in Orwell’s ‘1984.’” Brigham Young University Studies, vol. 24, no. 1, 1984, pp. 3–17. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43041004. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Assignment paper no 106 : Moral Decay of the 1920s: Wealth and Corruption in The Great Gatsby

Assignment - 1 : Moral Decay of the 1920s: Wealth and Corruption in The Great Gatsby

Table of Contents :

Personal Information

Assignment Details

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

The Pursuit of Wealth and Corruption

Gatsby’s Moral Decay and Social Hypocrisy

The Decline of the American Dream

Conclusion

Personal Information:-

Name:- Bhumi Mahida

Batch:-  M.A. Sem 2 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230032

E-mail Address:- bhumimahida385@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 2

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Moral Decay of the 1920s: Wealth and Corruption in The Great Gatsby

Paper & subject code:- 106 - The Twentieth Century Literature

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:-

Abstract :

This paper examines moral decay, wealth, and corruption in The Great Gatsby, drawing from John H. Randall III and Kenneth Eble’s analyses. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel depicts Gatsby’s rise through bootlegging and possible financial scandals like Teapot Dome, highlighting the era’s moral hypocrisy. His downfall symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream, which shifted from hard work to materialism and deceit. Ultimately, The Great Gatsby critiques the Jazz Age, warning against unchecked ambition and social superficiality.

Keywords : Moral Decay, Materialism, Bootlegging

Introduction :

The 1920s in America, often called the "Roaring Twenties," was a period of immense social change, economic prosperity, and moral decline. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby captures the essence of this era through the lens of wealth, corruption, and disillusionment. John H. Randall III’s article, “Jay Gatsby’s Hidden Source of Wealth,” and Kenneth Eble’s analysis in The Great Gatsby offer critical perspectives on Gatsby’s financial dealings and the moral erosion of the time. This essay examines how Gatsby’s rise to wealth, his association with illegal activities, and his ultimate downfall illustrate the deep moral decay of the 1920s.

The Pursuit of Wealth and Corruption :

The novel portrays wealth as a driving force that corrupts individuals and society. Gatsby’s fortune is not inherited but rather amassed through illicit means, specifically bootlegging and possibly deeper financial crimes. Randall highlights Gatsby’s involvement in buying and operating side-street drugstores that sold illegal alcohol. This connection to Meyer Wolfsheim, a figure modeled after real-life crime bosses, underscores Gatsby’s engagement in organized crime.

Moreover, Randall suggests that Gatsby’s dealings might extend beyond bootlegging to the Teapot Dome scandal, one of the largest corruption cases of the decade. This scandal, involving the illegal leasing of government oil reserves for personal gain, mirrors Gatsby’s hidden and unethical rise to affluence. The Teapot Dome affair, as Randall argues, serves as a historical parallel to Gatsby’s corrupt sources of wealth, linking him to the broader moral failures of the 1920s.

Eble’s analysis further supports this notion by exploring the broader themes of moral decay and the illusion of success. He argues that Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth is emblematic of the American Dream’s corruption—an ideal once rooted in hard work but now synonymous with deception and greed. Gatsby’s mansion, extravagant parties, and obsession with Daisy all reflect a misguided belief that material wealth equates to fulfillment and legitimacy.

Gatsby’s Moral Decay and Social Hypocrisy :

Gatsby’s wealth does not bring him respect or social acceptance among the old-money elite. His parties, filled with the very people who later abandon him, symbolize the superficiality and hypocrisy of the era. Despite his riches, Gatsby remains an outsider, highlighting the rigid social barriers that money alone cannot break. Randall suggests that Gatsby’s biggest fear is exposure—not only as a bootlegger but as someone involved in something far worse. When Tom Buchanan confronts him in the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby is not shaken by the accusation of bootlegging but crumbles when Tom hints at something even more incriminating.

Eble’s work sheds light on how Gatsby’s story is not just a critique of the Jazz Age but a broader commentary on the failure of idealism. He emphasizes the novel’s ability to transcend its historical setting, arguing that Gatsby’s dream—though flawed—is a universal representation of humanity’s tendency to chase unattainable ideals. Gatsby’s downfall, then, is not just a personal tragedy but a reflection of the broader moral failures of the society that created him.

Daisy Buchanan, whom Gatsby idolizes, represents the ultimate illusion of the American Dream. However, her character also embodies moral decay. She is drawn to Gatsby’s wealth but ultimately chooses the security of her old-money status with Tom, despite his infidelity and arrogance. Her indifference after Gatsby’s death—choosing to retreat into her privileged world—reinforces the emptiness of wealth and the moral decline of the elite.

The Decline of the American Dream :

Fitzgerald uses Gatsby’s rise and fall as a metaphor for the corruption of the American Dream. The dream, once rooted in hard work and success, had by the 1920s become associated with excess, materialism, and fraud. Gatsby’s downfall illustrates that no amount of wealth can buy legitimacy or true happiness. Randall’s article emphasizes that Gatsby’s wealth was not just a product of bootlegging but possibly of even greater financial corruption, aligning him with the major scandals of the era.

Eble expands on this idea by arguing that Gatsby’s dream, while corrupted, still holds a tragic beauty. He sees Gatsby as a character who embodies both the grandeur and the folly of the American Dream. His relentless pursuit of an idealized past ultimately leads to his destruction, illustrating how the dream itself has become a mirage, promising success but delivering disillusionment.

Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Gatsby’s death—lonely and ignored by those who once celebrated with him—reinforces the novel’s critique of a society obsessed with wealth but devoid of genuine morality. In the end, Gatsby’s dream dies with him, just as the idealistic version of the American Dream was eroded by greed and dishonesty in the 1920s.

Conclusion :

Through Gatsby’s story, Fitzgerald exposes the moral decline of the Jazz Age, where wealth was often acquired through corruption, and social status dictated one's fate. Randall’s analysis strengthens the argument that Gatsby’s financial dealings were not just criminal but emblematic of the larger corruption of the time, including scandals like Teapot Dome. Eble’s insights further contextualize Gatsby’s tragedy as part of a broader historical and philosophical critique of the American Dream. The Great Gatsby ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the illusion of the American Dream in a morally decayed society.

Words  : 1247

Images : 03

References : 

Eble, Kenneth. “The Great Gatsby.” College Literature, vol. 1, no. 1, 1974, pp. 34–47. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25111007. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Martinez, Julia. "The Great Gatsby". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Great-Gatsby. Accessed 15 March 2025.

Randall, John H. “JAY GATSBY’S HIDDEN SOURCE OF WEALTH.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 13, no. 2, 1967, pp. 247–57. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26278584. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

 

The Birthday Party :

This blog on pre viewing  and post-viewing and observations for the movie screening of 'The Birthday Party'. 

Here is the link to the  blog for background reading: Click here.

Pre-Viewing Tasks :

Harold Pinter – the man and his works (Pinter, The Birthday Party). 

Answer : 

Harold Pinter (1930–2008) was a British playwright, screenwriter, and poet known for his unique style of drama, often called "Pinteresque." His plays feature pauses, silences, and everyday dialogue that create tension and mystery. His works explore themes of power, identity, and human relationships.

The Birthday Party (1957)

Some of Harold Pinter’s most significant plays are:

• The Birthday Party (1957)
• The Caretaker (1960)
• The Homecoming (1965)
• Betrayal (1978)

These works showcase his distinctive style, blending tension, dark humor, and complex human relationships.

Comedy of Menace: Whose plays are known so? Who termed it? What are its peculiar characteristics? How is it different from Absurd Theatre?

Answer : 

Importance of Comedy of Menace :

• Explores Psychological Fear – It highlights the hidden dangers in ordinary life, making audiences feel uneasy about everyday situations.
• Blends Humor and Threat – The mix of comedy and fear makes the plays more engaging and thought-provoking.
• Challenges Power and Control – Shows how authority, manipulation, and social pressure influence human behavior.
• Influences Modern Theatre – Inspired later playwrights and filmmakers who use tension, dark humor, and ambiguity.
• Reflects Real-Life Uncertainty – Captures the unpredictability of life, making audiences question security and identity.

Whose plays are known so?

Harold Pinter, David Campton, and N. F. Simpson are playwrights associated with the Comedy of Menace.

Who termed it?

Critic Irving Wardle coined the term after watching Pinter’s plays.

Peculiar Characteristics:

• Mix of humor and fear
• Ordinary settings with an underlying sense of threat
• Unclear motives and mysterious characters
• Power struggles and psychological tension

Difference from Absurd Theatre:

• Comedy of Menace has a structured plot, while Absurd Theatre often lacks a clear storyline.
• Absurd Theatre focuses on existential despair, while Comedy of Menace blends realism with hidden threats.

Explain ‘Pinteresque’ – Pinter pause and use of ‘Silence’ in the play: a particular atmosphere and environment in drama.

Answer : 

Pinteresque: The Unique Style of Harold Pinter :

• Meaning: "Pinteresque" refers to Harold Pinter’s distinctive dramatic style, marked by pauses, silences, and underlying tension.
• Pinter Pause: A strategic silence in dialogue that creates suspense, uncertainty, and psychological depth. It forces the audience to focus on what is not being said.
• Use of Silence:
  • Builds tension and mystery.
  • Reflects power struggles between characters.
  • Creates an unsettling atmosphere where danger feels hidden beneath normal conversations.

Atmosphere and Environment in His Plays : 

• Ordinary yet Disturbing: Everyday situations become threatening.
• Fear of the Unknown: Characters are often confused, trapped, or controlled by unseen forces.
• Dark Humor: Comedy mixed with menace, making audiences uncomfortable yet engaged.

In The Birthday Party, pauses and silences make simple conversations feel threatening, adding to the play’s sense of fear and unpredictability.

‘The Birthday Party’ – an allegory of ‘artist in exile and other interpretations

Answer : 

‘The Birthday Party’ as an Allegory of the Artist in Exile & Other Interpretations :

• Artist in Exile:

  • Stanley, the protagonist, represents an artist who has withdrawn from society.
  • The strangers, Goldberg and McCann, symbolize external forces (society, authority, critics) that suppress individuality and creativity.
  • His forced departure reflects how artists often feel attacked, misunderstood, or silenced.

• Other Interpretations:

• Loss of Identity: Stanley’s past is unclear, and he struggles to assert himself, showing how identity can be threatened.
• Totalitarian Control: The play hints at oppressive systems that manipulate and break individuals.
• Fear and Paranoia: The unknown motives of the visitors create a sense of unpredictability and existential dread.

‘The Birthday Party’ as a Political Play with reference to Harold Pinter’s Noble Speech: ‘Art, Truth & Politics.

Answer : 

‘The Birthday Party’ as a Political Play & Pinter’s Nobel Speech :

• Political Themes in The Birthday Party

  • Oppression & Control: Stanley is isolated and forced into submission, reflecting how political systems silence individuals.
  • Fear & Surveillance: The mysterious visitors (Goldberg and McCann) symbolize secret police or oppressive authorities.
  • Loss of Free Will: Stanley’s fate shows how power structures manipulate and destroy dissenting voices.

• Pinter’s Nobel Speech: Art, Truth & Politics (2005)

  • Criticized political lies, propaganda, and abuse of power.
  • Stressed that truth in art reveals hidden realities, just as The Birthday Party exposes unseen oppression.
  • Argued that silence and language are tools of both resistance and control, a key theme in his plays.

Through The Birthday Party, Pinter subtly critiques authoritarianism and political manipulation, making it more than just a psychological drama.

While-Viewing Tasks :

 Harriet Deer and Irving Deer’s Article on Pinter’s The Birthday Party.

Answer : 

Harriet Deer and Irving Deer’s article on Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party analyzes the play’s themes of power, control, and identity. They argue that the play reflects existential fears and the unpredictability of life. The article highlights how Pinter uses ambiguity, menace, and absurdity to create tension. The authors also discuss how characters like Stanley are trapped in a world where language is used as a weapon. Overall, they see The Birthday Party as a critique of societal oppression and the loss of individuality.

Comparison of Film and Play Versions. 

Answer : 

Pinter carefully preserves the play’s tension and ambiguity in the film version of The Birthday Party while using cinematic techniques to enhance its impact. He maintains the unsettling atmosphere but adds visual elements like close-ups, lighting, and camera angles to intensify emotions. The film allows for a more intimate exploration of characters’ psychological states, whereas the play relies on stage dialogue and pauses to create unease. Pinter’s treatment ensures that the film retains the essence of the play while offering a new dramatic experience through visual storytelling.

Texture of a World Without Structure. 

Answer : 

Pinter creates a world without structure in The Birthday Party through fragmented dialogue, sudden pauses, and unpredictable actions. The sounds—such as knocking, footsteps, and silences—add to the tension and uncertainty. Visually, the setting feels claustrophobic, with dim lighting and confined spaces reflecting the characters' trapped existence. This chaotic atmosphere mirrors the play’s theme of instability and fear, making the audience feel uneasy and disoriented, just like the characters.

Knocking at the Door: A Menacing Effect. 

Answer :

In The Birthday Party, the knocking at the door happens multiple times, notably when Goldberg and McCann arrive and later during tense moments. This repeated knocking creates a sense of menace and intrusion, signaling danger and loss of control.

In the movie, the effect is even stronger. The sound of knocking, combined with lighting and camera angles, builds suspense and fear. It makes the audience feel the same unease as Stanley, reinforcing the play’s theme of oppression and helplessness.

Silences and Pauses in the Movie. 

Answer :

In The Birthday Party movie, silences and pauses create tension and a sense of lurking danger. They make conversations feel unnatural, heightening suspense. This also adds to the comedy of menace, where ordinary moments become eerie and unpredictable, blending dark humor with fear.

Symbolic Objects in the Movie. 

Answer : 

In The Birthday Party movie, everyday objects carry symbolic meaning:

• Mirror – Represents distorted identity; Stanley avoids it, showing his fear of self-reflection.
• Toy drum – Symbolizes childhood, control, and impending doom; Stanley’s chaotic drumming reflects his mental state.
• Newspapers – Act as a shield; Petey hides behind them to avoid conflict.
• Breakfast – Suggests routine and normalcy, which contrasts with the looming threat.
• Chairs – Represent power dynamics; who sits where reflects control in a scene.
• Window-hatch – Implies limited escape; Stanley is trapped in his situation.

Effectiveness of Key Scenes in the Movie. 

Answer :

In The Birthday Party movie, key scenes are captured with great intensity:

• Interrogation Scene (Act 1) – The rapid, nonsensical questioning, close-up shots, and harsh lighting create pressure and confusion, making Stanley seem powerless.
• Birthday Party Scene (Act 2) – The chaotic camera movements, eerie laughter, and distorted sounds heighten fear and madness, showing Stanley’s breakdown.
• Faltering Goldberg & Petey’s Timid Resistance (Act 3) – Goldberg’s sudden weakness and Petey’s hesitant “Stan, don’t let them tell you what to do” add a final touch of helplessness, emphasizing the theme of oppression.

Post-Viewing Tasks :

Why are two scenes of Lulu omitted from the movie?

Answer : 

Two scenes of Lulu are omitted in the movie to tighten the narrative and keep the focus on Stanley’s psychological breakdown. Her role in confronting Goldberg is reduced, shifting attention to the power struggle between Stanley and his oppressors. This omission also enhances the film’s sense of menace, making Goldberg and McCann’s actions more ambiguous and unsettling.

Is the movie successful in giving us the effect of menace? Did you feel it while reading the text?

Answer : 

Yes, the movie effectively creates menace through lighting, close-ups, silences, and sound effects. The text also feels menacing with pauses and ambiguous dialogue, but the film intensifies the tension visually.

Do you feel the effect of lurking danger while watching the movie? Did you feel the same while reading the text?

Answer : 

Yes, the movie creates a strong sense of lurking danger through dark visuals, silences, and unsettling sounds. While reading the text, the pauses, ambiguous dialogue, and sudden shifts in tone also create unease, but the film makes the menace feel more immediate through its visual and auditory effects.

What do you read in the newspaper in the movie?

Answer :

In the movie, the newspaper symbolizes avoidance, control, and hidden truth:

• Petey reading it to Meg – Shows his passive nature and escape from reality.
• McCann tearing it – Represents destruction of truth and control over information, just like Stanley’s identity is being erased.
• Petey hiding the torn pieces – Suggests suppressed resistance, as he quietly acknowledges the loss but cannot act against it.

Interpretation of Camera Positioning in ‘Blind Man’s Buff’ Scene.

Answer : 

The camera positioning adds to the feeling of power and entrapment:

• Over McCann’s head – Shows his dominance and control during the game, making Stanley feel small and vulnerable.
• Top-down view of the room as a cage (trap) when Stanley plays – Emphasizes that Stanley is trapped, like a prisoner with no escape.

Does the movie reflect Pinter’s idea of an enclosed space and unpredictable dialogue?

Answer : 

Yes, the movie captures Pinter’s idea of enclosed space and unpredictable dialogue:

• The boarding house feels claustrophobic, trapping Stanley.
• Tense, broken dialogue creates uncertainty and fear.
• Characters are at the mercy of each other, especially Stanley under Goldberg and McCann.
• Pretense crumbles, as seen in Stanley’s breakdown and Goldberg’s faltering confidence.

How does viewing the movie help in better understanding the play’s characteristics?

Answer : 

Watching the movie enhances understanding of The Birthday Party by making Pinter’s techniques more visual and intense:

• Painteresque style – The film’s dark lighting and confined spaces highlight isolation and tension.
• Pauses & Silences – Close-ups and sound effects make them more unsettling.
• Menace & Lurking Danger – Camera angles, eerie sounds, and sudden shifts in tone intensify fear and unpredictability.

 With which of the following observations you agree:

  “It probably wasn't possible to make a satisfactory film of "The Birthday Party."

This perspective argues that Pinter’s distinct theatrical style doesn’t fully translate to cinema. The play’s strength lies in its live performance, where the audience directly experiences the characters’ tension. Certain elements, such as the absurd dialogue, may have a stronger impact on stage than on screen.

“It's impossible to imagine a better film of Pinter's play than this sensitive, disturbing version directed by William Friedkin”[3]. (Ebert)

This viewpoint recognizes that Friedkin’s direction successfully preserves the play’s psychological intensity. Through cinematic techniques like camera angles, lighting, and sound design, the film effectively enhances the sense of menace and isolation, making it a chilling and immersive experience.

I find the second argument more convincing, as the film masterfully brings Pinter’s underlying tension and unease to life.

If you were director or screenplay writer, what sort of difference would you make in the making of movie?

Answer : 

If I were the director or screenplay writer, I would make a few changes to enhance the film’s impact:

• More unsettling sound design – Use eerie background noises to heighten the sense of menace.
• Stronger visual contrasts – Darker shadows and sudden lighting shifts to intensify tension.
• More focus on Stanley’s perspective – Show his paranoia through distorted camera angles.
• Keep Lulu’s missing scenes – To emphasize Goldberg’s manipulation and abuse.
• More ambiguous ending – Leave hints about Stanley’s fate but no clear answers.

Who would be your choice of actors to play the role of characters?

Answer : 

If I were casting The Birthday Party today, I would choose:

• Stanley – Cillian Murphy (perfect for portraying paranoia and vulnerability).
• Goldberg – Ralph Fiennes (charismatic yet deeply menacing).
• McCann – Barry Keoghan (quiet but unsettling presence).
• Meg – Olivia Colman (warm yet oblivious, adding depth to her role).
• Petey – Jim Broadbent (gentle but powerless).
• Lulu – Florence Pugh (youthful yet emotionally complex).

Similarities among Kafka’s Joseph K. (The Trial), Orwell’s Winston Smith (1984), and Pinter’s Stanley (The Birthday Party)

Answer : 

Yes, Joseph K. (The Trial), Winston Smith (Nineteen Eighty-Four), and Victor (One for the Road) share key similarities:

• Victims of Oppressive Systems – All three are trapped by powerful, authoritarian forces.
• Loss of Control – They struggle against a system that manipulates and punishes them without clear reasons.
• Psychological Torture – They face interrogation, fear, and mental breakdown.
• Inevitable Defeat – Despite resistance, they cannot escape their fate.

References : 

Worksheet: Film Screening - Harold Pinter’s the Birthday Party. blog.dilipbarad.com/2013/09/worksheet-film-screening-harold-pinters.html.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "The Birthday Party". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov. 2015, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Birthday-Party-play-by-Pinter. Accessed 5 March 2025.