Chapter 7
Summary
This mainly deals with Winston’s childhood and the guilt he feels over his
mother’s apparent death. Its purpose is to provide further insight into the conditions during the early years of Oceania.
Interpretation
In this chapter Winston finally comes to terms with the
guilt he feels about his youth, and his feelings towards his mother.
The main point he makes is that by keeping memories of the past alive, it is
in a way resisting the Party, even if some of these memories are disturbing. The Party is all about projecting lies and confusion, so it is up to individuals to keep part of the true past preserved in their
memories.
It is not certain whether Winston’s views are widely shared, probably not,
that is maybe why he will eventually be caught and punished.
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