1984 - Book 2, Chapter 6

Key Events

• Winston's Interaction with O'Brien
  • As Winston walks through a corridor at the ministry, O'Brien touches his arm in a friendly manner.
  • O'Brien praises an article Winston wrote but mentions the use of two obsolete words.
  • He refers Winston to the 10th edition of the Newspeak Dictionary, which is unpublished.
  • O'Brien offers to lend Winston the dictionary, giving him his address on a slip of paper.
  • This interaction is not illegal, suggesting an element of trust or shared dissent.

O'Brien's Reference to Syme

• O'Brien makes a reference to Syme, who is considered an "un-person."
• Winston interprets this as a signal indicating O'Brien's dissent against the party's reality.

Winston's Perception and Beliefs

• Winston believes that O'Brien, a member of the inner party, is also a dissenter.
• There is no consideration from Winston that O'Brien may be setting a trap for him.

Winston's Evolution

• Winston's journey from dissatisfaction to taking action is evident.
• His thoughts have transitioned from being private in his diary to a willingness to act.

Literary Analysis

• Tragic Hero Flaw
  • 1984 is characterized as a literary tragedy.
  • Winston is seen as a tragic hero, aware that his actions could lead to his downfall.
  • Unlike typical tragic heroes, Winston is conscious of the likely negative outcomes of his actions but proceeds regardless.

Themes

• Reality vs. Perception
  • The interaction with O'Brien highlights a crack in the party's constructed reality.
• Courage and Defiance
  • Winston's willingness to consider and potentially act on O'Brien's apparent dissent shows his courage and defiance against the party.
  • The progression from thought to action marks a significant point in Winston's character development.