Selena entered the classroom and opted not to fully test Professor Shwmae's mood by saying "besides his name being George Orwell." Selena took a seat and simply replied "his pen name is Eric Arthur Blair and he wrote two satires attacking Totalitarianism"

"Obviously," smirked Rhiane testily, however her eyebrows raised, almost disappearing into her hairline, as Selena appeared to co-operate. "4 points to Slytherin. Which two satires are you referring to?" she enquired, still abashed at her remark.

"Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty Four" Selena saw that she was testing Professor Shwmae's patience.

"And what did you make of those books? Assuming you read them of course," she smirked. "Although they are rather trying so I wouldn't expect many of you to be capable of reading them."

Selena seemed to clam up. That didn't surprise Rhiane although she was still fairly amused at the thought of Selena actually having heard of a book. "Has anyone else read anything by George Orwell? If so would they care to tell me what they thought of it?"

:: Ganymede was lost on the whole lesson. But she wanted to move the lesson along, and hopefully not make the Professor mad. She decided to lie, "I thought it was very.." She paused then continued, "Interesting." She nodded trying her best to make it seem true. ::

Her head turned at the sound of Ganymede's voice. Her vague answer made it quite clear that she'd never read a word of Orwell's work however she couldn't quite understand why the girl would lie about something like that. "What exactly was it, that you found interesting?" she asked.

Cherry raises her hand.

"I have read both Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty Four Professor."

She continued, "Nineteen Eighty Four introduced a lot of new words into our everyday dictionary like "Big Brother", "Room 101", "Newspeak" and "Doublethink". It warns of what could happen to the world if a corrupt political system is allowed to develop. The story is set in what Orwell's future would have been at the time, the scenario being the year 1984. The setting produces a place where there is a totalitarianism regime in power. Whatever they say goes, including that WAR IS PEACE, being one of the parties motto's and that a country previously warring with is now at peace and in fact was never at war with."

Hebe spoke up after hearing her sisters obvious lie, "Animal Farm was very interesting. Especially when the Pigs began acting like people." she said matter of factly.

"I read Animal Farm." Zekk says, trying to keep this class going along. "I enjoyed it, I liked how the hogs brainwashed the animals."

Deciding to add a little bit more to what she said earlier, Cherry raises her hand again, "Regarding Animal Farm; the book has given the world a quite popular phrase: 'Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.' The dramatisation sticks very closely to the book, and retains both its affection for the animals and the incisiveness of its message."

:: Ganymede was going to make something up until..

"Yes thats what was very interesting!" She smiled and nodded with agreement with her sister. ::

Although she disapproved of interuptions, she was greatful when Cherry spoke for it seemed someone in her class knew of books that weren't written by that fiend, Lockhart. "Not our everyday dictionary though, is it? I think you meant the muggle one." More students spoke, citing different texts. She nodded as they spoke.

"And what do you think was Orwell's message in these texts?" The question was vague, undirected, so it was open to all.

Linnea frowned, trying to remember anything at all from Animal Farm. In all honesty, it had bored her sensless and thought it ridiculus to cover.

:: Ganymede thought of a very broad messege, "To be yourself." She stated with a broad smile to match. ::

Hebe tried to remember, "His messege was... Paranoia?" she said unsure.

She raised her hand again.

"Yes that is what I meant Professor."

Then she decides to venture answering the question. "Perhaps Professor it may have been more aimed at the state the Muggle World was in Orwell's time, more than it is today. Maybe he wanted to show to his audience the way politics and people in power oppressed those who were at lower levels in society than they were, and how there was the lack of free speech and the ability to express one's ideas, unless one was in a high level of society."

"Ganymede ... Hebe .. it's quite clear neither of you have read the books insightfully enough. While I do not object to that, you'd be better of being quiet and allowing others to speak, so that they might teach you something." Her eyes narrowed warily as she smiled and looked around the classroom.

"I think his message in Animal Farm was that comminism is an idea that sounds good, yet with corrupt leaders it can never trully work." Zekk says.

Hebe glares at the Professor, sending out a thought to Ganymede. "Sorry if I read that years ago. Unlike you who probably hasn't even heard of it." She took out some parchment and began writing. She wrote backwards and in cursive making it difficult for others to decipher.

"Very good. 5 points to Ravenclaw." Speaking broadly, she added, "It is important to remember, class, that literature is open to many interpretations. Therefore, if someone says something you do not agree with, feel free to debate the matter."

Going back to the subject, she questioned, "So, given that information, what do you think his message was, Cherry? To embrace dictatorship or to challenge authority?"

:: Ganymede frowned. "Well,.. " She started to say something, but she stopped and clamped her mouth shut.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hebecraft18

Hebe glares at the Professor, sending out a thought to Ganymede. "Sorry if I read that years ago. Unlike you who probably hasn't even heard of it." She took out some parchment and began writing. She wrote backwards and in cursive making it difficult for others to decipher.

Ganymede stared ahead and tried to ignore her sister's thoughts. Unlike Hebe, Ganymede had no actual control on sending and recieving thoughts like her sister. She only knew that it only was between them. ::
::

Corrupt leaders, like the ministry? Linnea thought. How can we "let others teach us" when you just said that it was open to interpretation? Linnea couldn't believe this woman. Contradictions in action!

Glad that the class was warming up, she addressed Zekk, "Ah, but that can be true of any regime. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, no matter what the context. Wouldn't you agree?"

She noted Hebe writing and Ganymede mumbling. "Girls, if you don't want to be here then please leave. Either follow my rules or absent yourself. It's your choice. But if you continue to be ignorant then I shall have to remove you from the room."