1984
By George Orwell
Written in 1948

This week we discuss Part 2!

Schedule (optional)

It’s in three parts, and I SWORE I would not make a schedule but some readers like to have a little structure so here is a brief, brief plan.

• Read Part 1 by 12/13
• Read Part 2 by 12/20
• Read Part 3, finish by 12/31

Here are some questions to ponder for Part 2:

How easy do you think it is to brainwash people after reading 1984?

Uh, extremely easy. I feel like it’s happening now. In the book, the citizens are stripped bare, sometimes literally. They exist on the bare minimum of food, labor day in and day out. Breaking them down this way makes them easier to control. 

In today’s society, many are  in a compromised position financially so promises of riches and a better life naturally appeal to this segment of the population. The potential to make life better, all around, appeals to many but the reality of it is that it can’t be done with loose promises and no action to back it up. Also, the introduction of fear. “They” are coming for you. Promises of protection are welcomed once fear has been introduced. 

Explore the symbolic significance of the clock, the paperweight, the song the prole woman sings, and the nursery rhyme about the bell.

The clock strikes 13, which is 1pm. This is Orwell’s way of letting us know right away that time is handled differently and that mostly, clocks are tied to the BEFORE but this clock is different. It’s presence reminds us, and Winston that time is now different. 

The paperweight. I could see that paperweight in my mind. The translucent quality, the beauty of the coral inside. To  me, it represents a moment in time, from the past. The build-up of its delicate nature hints at something darker lurking around the corner. 

The song and the nursery rhyme. The woman, hanging out her wash while singing provides a false sense of normalcy. As her voice drifts through Winston’s window, all seems to be well and good. The nursery rhyme is rather dismal when you pay attention to the lyrics. It’s a sign that the children are aware of a NEW civilization, one where they spy and people are held accountable, even their own parents. 

How does Winston’s understanding of women change throughout the course of the book?

Oh goodness. In Part 2, Julia is introduced. At first it’s all sweetness and butterflies set against the backdrop of Big Brother. But then Winston admits freely that when he first saw Julia he wanted to rape and kill her. This is an extremely disturbing confession. One that does not surprise Julia in the least. 

He also doesn’t care how many men she’s been with and that he hates purity and wants everyone corrupt to the bone. Why? To tear the Party to pieces. Would that behavior result in the Party breaking down? I don’t think so. I think that is exactly the direction the Party wants citizens to take. Debauchery. Sex only for procreation but the making of the rule itself causing citizens to naturally rebel against it. 

While we’re here, what about that apartment?!? The writing was on the wall with that one. How could someone so easily rent a hideaway like that? I was immediately suspicious. 

Given Winston’s own acknowledgment that he is under constant surveillance, and that it would only be a matter of time before the Thought Police caught him, no one in his world could be trusted. Prior to his capture, which character or characters did you envision as betraying Winston?

I never trusted Julia or O’Brien. This is my fourth time reading 1984 and so much of it I forgot but I never forgot the ill feeling I had when Winston hooked up with her and convinced himself that O’Brien was the way out. 

Ponder these questions and we will reconvene 12/31 for Part 3’s discussion.