Winston believes that the only hope of overthrowing the Party lies in the working class, the proles.
A mass uprising by the majority could challenge the Party's omnipotent power.
Manipulation of History
Winston examines a children's history book, reflecting on the distorted portrayal of capitalism and questioning the truth of the Party's historical narrative.
He realizes that the Party manipulates history to maintain control.
Historical Revisionism
Original leaders of the Revolution were declared traitors in the 1960s; many were killed or went into hiding.
Winston recalls seeing Jones, Aronson, and Rutherford, three leaders who survived and later confessed under duress.
The Photograph Incident
Winston once found a photograph that proved the Party lied about history, but he didn't keep it.
This incident plants doubt in his mind about the accuracy of the Party's historical accounts.
Questioning Sanity
Winston's job involves altering documents, yet he believes history should remain unchanged.
He grapples with whether his belief that the Party is wrong makes him insane.
Reflects on an analogy of Galileo's heliocentric theory to question relative sanity.
Freedom and Truth
Winston concludes the chapter by writing "freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four."
Recognizes the significance of being able to acknowledge fundamental truths.
Rebellion and Change
Winston’s desire for rebellion is growing; he would now keep evidence like the photograph to fight against the Party's lies.
Contemplates how continuous exposure to lies makes them perceived as truth, emphasizing Orwell's theme of questioning and remembering the past.
Important Quotes
"Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four."
Reflections on how hearing a lie repeatedly leads to its acceptance as truth.
Themes to Reflect On
The Power of Truth: The struggle to maintain an objective truth against manipulation.
Memory and History: The role of personal memory in countering state-controlled narratives.
Individual vs. Collective Belief: The implications of holding a minority belief against a dominant ideology.
Conclusion
Winston's reflections highlight the importance of vigilance and skepticism toward authoritarian narratives.
Encourages readers to remember the past and recognize lies.