1984

Chapters 5 and 6 emphasize the significance of free thought in the novel and establish the role of Newspeak “to narrow the range of thought” (67) in society. Limiting thought is justified as a way to save people from committing thoughtcrimes: “In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it” (67). Winston worries about the repercussions this could have for humanity, whereas Syme seems capable of accepting Newspeak as brilliantly efficient. Syme, like Parsons, is a contrast to Winston’s character, although Syme is much more intelligent and has a better grasp on the mechanics of Party rule. Syme is loyal to the Party and diligent in his work, but it’s Syme’s tendency to express what’s on his mind that convinces Winston he’s destined to cross the Party. Syme does disappear later in the novel, Winston is later arrested, and Parsons is eventually apprehended as well, leaving no Party member safe from eventual punishment.

Syme points out that Winston sounds like a translation: Winston can compose in Newspeak, but it’s clearly not his preferred language, and Syme can tell that in his heart Winston prefers Oldspeak (66). This foreshadows the 2+2=5 episode in Part 3 in which Winston gives in to his torturers and admits that two plus two is five, only to be tortured further because he isn’t sincere in his belief (216). In his heart, Winston is Oldspeak and the freedom that it represents, and his inability to cover what he really believes is eventually his downfall.

This section focuses on the theme of Propaganda, Emotional Manipulation, and Conformity. Winston’s inclination to free thought is contrasted by Parsons, whose story of his children reporting a suspected foreigner makes him an example of the ideal Party parent. The Parsons children do more than play at adolescent spy games—they act like real spies by reporting and abusing people, and the repercussions of those actions make Parsons proud. Winston acts appropriately as he listens to the story, but the irony is not lost when Parsons, who praises the Ministry of Plenty, concludes his proud story with a request for a basic necessity: razor blades. Parsons blindly accepts what the Party tells him and believes the Ministry of Plenty is doing a fine job despite his own flat being in disrepair and not having basic, personal hygiene supplies.

These chapters provide clear reasons for Winston constantly monitoring and controlling his actions and reactions. In this world, coworkers and neighbors have the potential to report one another for even thinking neutrally rather than positively about the Party.

Chapters 7 and 8 highlight the chaos and continuous violence that characterize Oceania. Chaos, shortages, and bombings are commonplace in this world. Winston kicking away the severed hand of a bomb victim shows the extent to which people have become desensitized to fellow humans. These chapters hint at how the Party might be discredited—evidence of history being forged does resurface at times—but such opportunities are rare and difficult to carry out on an individual scale. This explains why Winston believes the proles, who make up 85% of Oceania’s population, are the class capable of eventually toppling the Party.

Mr. Charrington is introduced at the end of Part 1 and appears to share Winston’s interest in the pre-revolutionary past. Charrington provides Winston with a physical connection to the past in the form of an antique paperweight. This paperweight represents the burden Winston has unknowingly picked up from his repeated visits to Charrington’s shop. Winston knows the weight is dangerous to possess, but he’s drawn to the possibility of freedom and individuality it represents.

At the end of Part 2, it will be revealed that Charrington is actually working for the Thought Police. This revelation brings greater significance to the seemingly small details of Charrington’s shop and residence in Part 1. Especially significant is the foreshadowing of the confessional torture routine, which weighs on Winston’s mind when he returns home with his new paperweight from Charrington’s shop.

Chapter 7 also introduces the idea that the Party has the power to convince people that 2+2=5, highlighting The Psychological Toll of Constant Surveillance, while true freedom is saying that 2+2=4. Standing up to the Party and denouncing the Party-approved version of truth is as simple as a correct math equation, yet the Party’s power has extended so deeply into the lives and minds of people that even such a simple assertion as 2+2=4 has become a crime against authority. This gains importance later in the novel when Winston finally admits that five is the correct answer, but his torture continues because he’s saying the correct answer without believing it. To be a true Party loyalist, an individual must believe the propaganda and lies the Party perpetuates.