1984 Part II, chapter 1-8

Part I, chapter 1-4 "I love you" is a dangerous statement in a society like the one in 1984 The expression of emotion and the ability to feel passion for another human being is a threat to the power of the Party Caring for another human being would likely take precedence over a person's loyalty to the Party In order to protect itself and its power, BB's dictatorship will likely do anything to prevent this from happening... 

The Golden Country Winston refers to this vision that appears in his dreams as becoming a reality when he meets Julia at the planned upon first location they meet What does the Golden Country represent? How is this “dream” becoming a reality? How does Winston’s life change by taking the risk of being with Julia?

How has Winston changed? Discuss in your groups Most notably, his health has improved (varicose ulcer has gone away, he has gained weight, he is not coughing) How has Winston's view of the world and life changed? He is happier Life has more meaning; he has something (someone) to live for

Loss of connection and loyalty in families Like romantic relationships pose a risk to the Party’s power and control, bonds between family members would also pose a risk By ensuring that all children are raised in complete alliance with the Party’s goals, there really is no likelihood that the motives of the Party will be questioned or ever change...

Ignorance is Bliss… and allows the Party to maintain power Winston’s conversation with Julia conveys that the less a person knows, the less likely a person will rebel, since he (or she) doesn’t know what’s going on… The Party slogan: “Ignorance is Strength” really is in the best interests of the government The more people know (the more they become conscious) the more likely they will be to question the motives of the Party, likely even causing them to stand up for their rights…

How do Julia and Winston differ? How are they similar?

What does Winston think the real betrayal will be when they’re caught? What are they likely to do if they’re caught… what will the Party do to ensure they have total control?

Why is Julia attracted to Winston? She says she could tell that he was against the Party as she noticed something different about his face… What does this suggest about Winston’s ability to hide his thoughts and feelings?

What is Julia’s reason for rebelling against the Party? Since she feels that the Party limits her ability to have fun, she chooses to break the rules She does this by sleeping with Party members to get things she wants Although she hates the Party, does she care about making a change to BB’s dictatorship/the status quo? “But she only questioned the teachings of the Party when they in some way touched upon her own life” (160).

Winston’s fear The rat and our becoming aware of Winston’s fear is symbolic. Although Winston is genuinely afraid of rats, his real fear relates back to his paranoia: he’s afraid of being “ratted out.”

No one can control your innermost thoughts and beliefs… Julia tells Winston that even though the Party can torture a person and “make [him] say anything…they cannot make [him] believe it” (174). Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? How easy is it to brainwash a person? Do you think governments actually use brainwashing? Discuss.

Meeting with O’Brien What are Winston and Julia willing to do for the Brotherhood? What is the one thing they are unwilling to do? What types of things does O’Brien tell them they might have to face as members of the Brotherhood? They are unwilling to be apart…

Other questions, or points of discussion?