1984 Chapter 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does W realize he has done with his diary?

Left it open with words, 'Down with Big Brother' visible

Who is at the door?

Mrs. Parsons

Are the Victory Apartments well built?

False

How is the Parson's flat different from W's?

Bigger and dingier in a different way/ Sports stuff/ smells Signup and view all the answers

Why are the children disappointed?

Haven't been out today Signup and view all the answers

Who is Parsons?

Works at M of Truth 'a mass of imbecile enthusiasm' Signup and view all the answers

How are Parson's children similar to all kids today?

Energy, playing soldier, imitating adults without thought Signup and view all the answers

For what are the children of 1984 being trained?

War/Spying/ finding Traitors/ Being loyal to Party Signup and view all the answers

Who does W think says, 'We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness?'

O'Brien: An Inner Party Member Signup and view all the answers

What is the news on the telescreen?

After mentioning glorious victory, chocolate ration being cut from 30 to 20 grams Signup and view all the answers

What is the only thing people can call their own?

The few cubic centimeters inside your head Signup and view all the answers

Before W leaves for work, what is the essence of what he writes in his diary?

He is already dead. He must stay alive as long as possible. He wants to stay sane and different. Signup and view all the answers

What ordinary thing does he do before he goes back to work?

Washes his hands because an ink stain could give him away Signup and view all the answers

What does he put on the corner of the cover of his diary before he leaves?

A whitish grain of dust to see if the page is turned Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Roles

W, the protagonist, expresses dissent against the Party through his diary.
Mrs. Parsons visits W, highlighting the surveillance and community environment.
Parsons, a character representing the enthusiastic but oblivious Party worker, works at the Ministry of Truth.

Setting and Conditions

Victory Apartments, built in the 1930s, reflect dilapidation, symbolizing societal decay under totalitarian rule.
The Parsons’ flat is described as larger yet dingier compared to W's living space, indicating varying living conditions in a controlled society.

Family Dynamics and Indoctrination

Parsons’ children are energetic and mimic adult behaviors, showcasing youth indoctrination and the impact of Party propaganda.
Children are being groomed for roles involving war, espionage, and loyalty, demonstrating the regime's focus on creating future enforcers of Party ideology.

Themes of Surveillance and Control

Telescreens propagate state propaganda and monitor citizens; news includes misleading victories and ration cuts, reflecting the regime's manipulation of reality.
The notion that the only personal possession is "the few cubic centimeters inside your head" emphasizes the theme of individuality versus Party control.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

W's diary represents a rebellious act; writing “Down with Big Brother” signifies the inherent risk of dissent.
O'Brien, an Inner Party member, is linked to W's hope for connection and potential rebellion, symbolizing hope mingled with trepidation.

Daily Life Under Totalitarianism

W's precautions, such as washing his hands to hide ink stains and leaving a dust particle on his diary, reflect the constant fear of betrayal and the need for secrecy.
Before work, W contemplates his existence and sanity, revealing the psychological toll of living under oppressive rule.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from George Orwell's '1984' with these flashcards. Explore important events and character interactions, which reveal the oppressive society of the narrative. Perfect for quick reviews and study sessions.