5-7 1984

1. What is the problem with obtaining razor blades?
They aren't being made/ distributed anymore.
2. What is revealed about Inner Party philosophy in the discussion between Winston and Syme?
By reducing the amount of words people can speak they control more complex thoughts like rebellion.
3. Why does Winston feel that Syme will be vaporized?
Because he is too smart for his own good.
4. Parsons brags about his children for doing what?
Snitching.
5. What is the significance of the telescreen announcement?
To show how controlled the population is by Big Brother.
6. What are Winston’s feelings about the present time after he hears the cheerful announcement on the telescreen?
He knows that it is an untrue statement.
7. Winston predicts that certain people will be vaporized and that certain people will never be vaporized. Who? Why?
Winston: Because he keeps a diary.
Syme: Because he is too smart for his own good.
Julia: Winston believes that she is one of the thought police so she is safe from vaporization.
O'Brian: He thinks the same as Winston.
Mr. Parsons: Is never turned in because of how much he supports big brother.
Mrs. Parsons: Her own kids turn her in.
8. What is the purpose of marriage in the state?
To produce children... that is all.
9. What do Winston’s memories about visiting a prostitute reveal about his attitudes towards sex in Oceania?
He likes sex, but all of his experiences have been terrible.
10. How does Winston view the proles?
They are a powerful force that could destroy Big Brother but cannot because of how low their intelligence is.
11. How are the proles controlled (prole control)?
Work, Entertainment, and isolation
12. What lies/half-truths does the Party teach about history?
That Big Brother was around nearly half a century earlier than it actually was.
13. Winston suspects that the Party lies about progress made since the war. What Party claims does he doubt?
That the population is being treated better than they were at the beginning of the war.
14. What is the story of Aaronson, Jones and Rutherford?
Previous leaders of the revolution that were convicted, released, and then executed.
15. Why is this story so meaningful for Winston?
Because he found a picture of the three men while they were serving under Big Brother.
16. What is Winston’s unanswered question?
He doesn't know why