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?
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Why are the children disappointed?
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Who is Parsons?
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How are Parson's children similar to all kids today?
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For what are the children of 1984 being trained?
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Who does W think says, 'We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness?'
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What is the news on the telescreen?
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What is the only thing people can call their own?
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Before W leaves for work, what is the essence of what he writes in his diary?
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What ordinary thing does he do before he goes back to work?
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What does he put on the corner of the cover of his diary before he leaves?
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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.
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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.