1984
Apple Ad
Homecoming King
DSS
Common Themes
100

This character is the protagonist of George Orwell's "1984."  

Who is Winston?

100

The campaign was designed to promote this revolutionary product, which was introduced shortly after the ad aired.

What is the MacIntosh Computer?

100

The name of the girl Hasan Minhaj was taking to Homecoming.

Who is Bethany Reed?

100

Adichie describes the impact of this type of narrative, which simplifies complex human experiences and reduces groups to stereotypes.

What is a single story?

100

This theme often manifests in societies where individuals suppress their personal beliefs and behaviors to adhere to group norms.  

What is conformity?

200

This is the term for the secret language created by the Party designed to limit the range of thought.

What is Newspeak?

200

The woman in the ad is shown running through a crowd of people with this type of device, symbolizing rebellion.

What is a hammer?

200

 This pivotal figure in Hasan's life, nicknamed "Baba," is a central focus in many of his stories in "Homecoming King."

Who is his father?

200

Adichie recalls her childhood experiences with this iconic and powerful literary figure, demonstrating the lack of representation in the stories she read.

Who is Superman?

200

In both Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's narrative and George Orwell's "1984," the struggle for self-definition against external pressures highlights the importance of this concept.

What is identity?

300

This government department is responsible for the alteration of historical records.

What is the Ministry of Truth?

300

The tagline of the ad suggests that the new product will free consumers from this oppressive force, depicted in a totalitarian setting.

What is conformity?

300

In "Homecoming King," Hasan discusses this significant high school life event, sharing the challenges and joys he faced during the process.

What is a prom?

300

Throughout her talk, Adichie argues that hearing only a single story can lead to this negative outcome regarding perceptions of individuals or groups.

What is stereotyping?

300

In George Orwell's "1984," this oppressive regime uses a constant barrage of propaganda and surveillance to enforce conformity and suppress individual thought, paralleling the message in the Apple Super Bowl ad that challenges the status quo.

What is "Big Brother."

400

This term, used in "1984," refers to the practice of rewriting history to fit the Party's narrative.

What is Newspeak?

400

After its debut, the Apple "1984" ad was analyzed and debated in media studies classes, primarily for its use of this literary technique.

What is an allegory?

400

Throughout his special, Minhaj touches on the experience of this group of people, highlighting their struggles and contributions in America.

Who are immigrants?

400

Adichie highlights the roles of these media forms, which often perpetuate single stories by focusing on negative news about certain countries.

What are news, media, or social platforms/outlets?

400

This type of literary writing is employed in "1984," the ad, "Homecoming King," and "Danger of a Single Story."

What is a narrative?

500

This high-ranking member of the party tortures the protagonist in an attempt to break his spirit.

Who is O'Brien?

500

Following its airing, the "1984" ad garnered numerous awards and launched Apple's reputation for this in advertising.

What is innovation?

500

In this class, Minhaj was paired with a specific girl for prom as a bracket.

What is AP Calculus?

500

Adichie recalls listening to this pop music icon's songs, which influenced her early understanding of storytelling beyond her Nigerian culture.

Who is Mariah Carey?

500

In "1984," the Party uses this pervasive mechanism to monitor citizens' actions and thoughts, while Minhaj feared it after the attack on his family.

What is surveillance?