Notes on 1984 - Book 3, Chapter 5

Room 101

• Setting: Winston is taken to Room 101, located underground.
• Purpose: Room 101 holds the worst thing imaginable for each person.

Winston's Fear

• Winston's Worst Fear: Rats.
• O'Brien's Torture Method:
  • A mask with two compartments is used.
  • One compartment is for Winston's face, the other holds hungry sewer rats.

Key Events

• Confrontation with Fear:
  • The rats are close to Winston's face.
  • In terror, Winston pleads for the torture to be done to Julia instead.
• Winston's Reaction:
  • Loses consciousness.
  • Hears the cage door shutting, not opening.

Themes

• Freedom and Humanity:
  • To Winston, dying with hatred in his heart symbolized freedom.
  • His love for Julia was a connection to his humanity.

Betrayal and Triumph of the Party

• Winston's Feelings:
  • Initially happy he hadn’t betrayed Julia.
• O'Brien's Goal:
  • Total destruction of Winston's humanity.
  • Winston must betray Julia for the Party to fully triumph.
• Outcome:
  • Once Winston betrays Julia, his life or death becomes irrelevant.
  • The Party achieves complete control.