Book 3 Study Questions

1. Why are the political prisoners more terrified than the common criminals?

Common criminals were sent to forced-labor camps where the conditions were not so bad if one knew the ropes.  Dirty jobs were done by the political prisoners-but they were more likely to be vaporized because of their danger to the Party.  

2. Why was Ampleforth in prison?

He used the word “God” in a poem.

3. What role does Winston think O’Brien has been playing?

Directing his torture

4. According to O’Brien, why is Winston being tortured?

To cure his lunacy.

5. According to O’Brien, why does the Party want power?

It seeks power for its own sake.

6. Where does O’Brien think reality exists?

Only in the human mind.

7. What does Winston see when he looks in the mirror?

He sees himself, but as a skeleton starved to near death.

8. At the end of Chapter III, what has Winston NOT done that O’Brien wants him to do?

Betray Julia and says he love Big Brother.

9. What is in Room 101?

Everybody’s worst nightmare, in the case of Winston he is terrified of rats.

10. When and in what way does Winston betray Julia? Why is it significant?

Winston betrays Julia when he is in room 101.  He says to let the rats eat her instead of him.  This is significant because he has finally given up caring what happens to her and has disbanded his love for him.  

11. Why does O’Brien say prisoners are brought to the Ministry of Love?

To cure them of their insanity.

12. Was the Party successful in “getting inside” Winston?

yes

13. How do Winston and Julia now feel about one another?

Winston and Julia are cold and almost hateful toward one another

14. How does Winston ultimately feel about Big Brother?

He loves Big Brother.

15. What “victory over himself” has Winston won?  Do you think it’s a real victory?

Winston is able to hold his own opinions. I do believe this is a victory considering the party's immense power over his life.

16. What do you think the major theme of 1984 is?  Why?

It warns against the dangers of the government having too much control over people’s lives.