Purpose

The student analyzes the impact of World War II on Estonian history and with the help of fiction story develops his own empathy.

Introduction

George Orwell’s novel “1984” paints a picture of a totalitarian society where everyone betrays everyone. How does a foreign power establish itself in the occupied territory and in what way does the power begin to shape our thoughts and actions? Why do some go along with a foreign power, while others stick to their beliefs and resist? In the museum lesson, we study the stories of collaborationism during both the German and Soviet occupations. Through active learning methods, we discuss the causes and consequences of collaborationism on both a societal and personal level. During the discussion we will find points of reference in Orwell’s famous novel.

Target group: III school level and high school
Languages: Estonian, Russian or English
Duration: 90 min