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1984 Study Guide: Book 2, Chapters 5 and 6

In these pivotal chapters of George Orwell's 1984, the tension of life under Big Brother reaches a boiling point. As Winston Smith moves deeper into his illicit relationship with Julia, he witnesses the terrifying efficiency of the Party's erasure of history and finally makes a dangerous connection with the Inner Party.

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Chapter 5: The Disappearance of Syme

As the city of London prepares for Hate Week, the atmosphere becomes increasingly frantic and patriotic. The most significant event in Chapter 5 is the 'vaporization' of Syme, Winston’s colleague who was too intelligent for his own good. Winston notices that Syme's name has been removed from a list of Chess Committee members, confirming that he has become an 'unperson.' This serves as a chilling reminder of the Party's power to not only kill citizens but to erase their entire existence from human memory and historical records.

Julia vs. Winston: Two Types of Rebellion

These chapters highlight the ideological differences between our two protagonists. Winston is obsessed with the past, the truth, and the hope that future generations will overthrow the Party. In contrast, Julia is a 'rebel from the waist downwards.' She doesn't care about the Party's lies regarding history or the 'Brotherhood'; she simply wants to enjoy her life and find small ways to break the rules. This contrast provides excellent material for essays regarding individual vs. political rebellion.

Chapter 6: The Long-Awaited Invitation

Chapter 6 marks the moment Winston has been waiting for since the beginning of the novel. O’Brien, a member of the Inner Party, approaches Winston in the hallway at the Ministry of Truth. Using the excuse of discussing a new edition of the Newspeak dictionary, O’Brien gives Winston his home address. By making a subtle, coded reference to the vaporized Syme, O'Brien signals to Winston that they are both thought-criminals. For Winston, this represents a point of no return—the transition from private thought-crime to active conspiracy.

Key Symbols and Themes for Class Discussion

Focus on the theme of 'Reality Control' as the Party gears up for Hate Week. The physical decay of London contrasts with the grand displays of propaganda. The paperweight continues to serve as a symbol of Winston's desire to reconnect with a world that had a tangible, unchangeable history. Discuss how the disappearance of Syme reinforces the danger of 'knowing too much,' even for those who are seemingly loyal to the Party's goals.

What happens to Syme in Book 2, Chapter 5?

Syme is vaporized by the Party. His name is removed from all official documents, and he ceases to exist in the eyes of the law and history, fulfilling Winston's earlier prediction that Syme was 'too intelligent' to survive.

How does Julia feel about the Party's propaganda?

Julia is highly skeptical of the Party's claims, but she is also indifferent to them. Unlike Winston, who is disturbed by the alteration of history, Julia only cares about how the Party's rules affect her immediate personal freedom and pleasure.

What is the significance of O'Brien's encounter with Winston?

It is the moment Winston believes he has finally made contact with the underground resistance known as the Brotherhood. O'Brien provides his address, which Winston interprets as an invitation to join the rebellion against Big Brother.

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