Part 2 Chapter Questions & Answers

PART 2- CHAPTERS 1-7

Chapter 1

·         The novel shaping kaleidoscopes are mentioned in reference to Julia’s accident. Why is this an interesting concept?

·         Kaleidoscopes create random, fractured and meaningless images

·         Suggests that novels written are similarly meaningless- shows lack of soul in society

·         Is Julia’s note too naïve?

·         Does seem childish- but no time for subtleties

·         Clumsy but effective signal to Winston she is attracted to him

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Chapter 2

·         Why do you think Orwell places so much emphasis on the setting here?

·         Country descriptions beauty and wholesomeness giving relief from ugliness earlier

·         Elevate their love making to affirmation of life

·         How do Winston and Julia differ here?

·         Julia more experiences in double life- simpler expectations

·         She wants to survive party rather than destroy it

Chapter 3

·         What are Julia’s techniques for survival?

·         Skillful in subterfuge- plays role of solid Party member. Enthusiastic to avoid suspicion.

·         What does the story of Katherine on the cliff edge contribute at this point?

·         Life is held cheaply in society- Party disregards it

·         Winston has more sense than Julia- she didn’t understand solves nothing (p.111)

Chapter 4

·         Why do Winston and Julia rent Charrington’s room when they are so aware of the danger?

·         Small amount of happiness able to give each other make like tolerable

·         What is the mood in this chapter?

·         In spite of knowledge of crime- peace, comfort and control- links to oldworld furniture and fittings

Chapter 5

·         How does Winston perceive Mr Charrington?

·         Sees him as harmless, gentle interested in old times, leading peaceful but lonely existence

·         Compare the Hate Week poster with the description of the prisoners of war discussed earlier.

·         Threatening portrayal- ruthless aggression of Eurasian soldiers-whereas description of prisoners emphasized their humanity and vulnerability

Chapter 6

·         Does the point at which Winston and O’Brien’s path cross have any significance?

·         Stops Winston close to place where note was received

·         Made connections in front of telescreen no suspicion- but in light of betrayal later grim joke

Chapter 7

·         To what extent have Winston and Julia accepted the possibility of arrest?

·         Julia- more optimistic, Winston- fatalistic- neither has illusions about ruthless efficiency of Thought Police

·         Is Winston correct to say ‘We are not human.’

Correct insofar as Party members are programmed to deny human impulses, but incorrect in that they both struggle against this denial, thereby demonstrating humanity

Chapter 8

·         How does Orwell emphasise the differences between the lives of Inner and Outer Party members?

·         Shows poor quality of life does not exist for Inner Party

·         Their surroundings clean, quiet, spacious and efficient- food to furnishing good quality

·         Guard privileges jealously- e.g. wine

·         Why is, this realistically speaking, the meeting with O’Brien unnecessary?

·         Ruthlessness of the Thought Police and the sham trials suggest forced confessions are enough to convict anybody under slightest suspicion- Crimes do not have to be proven

Chapter 9

·         Why do you think Orwell included extracts from the book?

·         Understanding of structure- limited by Winston’s knowledge

·         In process of giving Winston ‘big picture’ gives reader comprehensive description than previously possible

·         How does this inclusion work?

·         Works on 2 levels- objective outline of social/political structure  and manages to criticize inhumane and totalitarian nature of regime (and of our time)

·         What is the effect of the appearance of the undisguised ‘Mr Charrington’ at the end of the chapter?

·         Appearance is chilling indication to Winston that he has been under observation since bought the diary- quite disturbing as so convincing as gentle shop owner

Part 1: Chapter Questions & Answers

PART 1

Chapter 1

·        How does Orwell convey the atmosphere of Winston’s world?

·        Deliberately strikes discordant notes e.g. clock striking at 13 to show unfamiliar territory

·        Vast buildings, strange mottos, flags, unfamiliar terms, new names for old places

·        Uses evocative language e.g. vile, sordid, rotting and gritty to show the disagreeable nature of everyday life

·        What do we learn about the balance of power in this chapter?

·        Learn that ordinary citizens live in state of mental siege, as well as poor-socio-economic conditions

·        Controllers of world stand apart from rest of society

·        Glittering Ministry of Truth and ironically Victory Mansions

Chapter 2

·        What is the effect of the Parsons children clamouring to see the public hanging?

·        Reversion to medieval kind of barbarism creates a feeling of revulsion

·        Not normal for children to do this

·        Comment on the Ingsoc slogans.

·        Self-contradictory

·        Emphasise the power of the Party to dictate meaning to society

Chapter 3

·        What is the significance of the old couple in the air raid?

·        Demonstrate a deep feeling of grief- which Winston can relate to

·        Society has become desensitised and callous, although proles allowed greater freedom of expression

·        Read the description of doublethink and try to come up with your own definition.

·        Normal definition- the ability to hold and accept conflicting ideas simultaneously

Chapter 4

·        What is the main technique Winston uses to perform his tasks at work?

·        Party uses euphemisms to disguise the fact that history is being rewritten

·        A careful facade is being written

·        Why do you think Orwell provides such detail about Winston’s work?

·        He is showing us the basis and workings of propaganda

·        Convincing background to Winston’s awareness of the way society works

Chapter 5

·        Comment on the grouping of characters in this chapter?

·        Both Syme and Parsons are zealots, even though they are different in temperament and intellect

·        Represent the dangers for an individual such as Winston

·        One is a friend and the other a neighbour- but both would denounce him without a qualm

·        Ironic both are eventually arrested- helplessness of individuals

·        Why is there so much emphasis on the unattractive environment?

·        Description of canteen and other substandard aspects of life- ‘discomfort and dirt and scarcity’ (p.51)- contradict the lies about the improved standard of living coming from the telescreens

·        Descriptions quite memorable- make more obvious difference between the Outer Party lifestyle and that of Inner Party