Winston's perception changes from possible Party overthrow
or rebellion in the end of book II to complete and total fear in book III. In the
beginning of book III, Winston finds himself in the punishing and sterile environment of
the Ministry of Love:
He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with
walls of glittering white porcelain. Concealed lamps flooded it with cold light, and
there was a low, steady humming sound which he supposed had something to do with the air
supply. A bench, or shelf, just wide enough to sit on ran round the wall, broken only by
the door and, at the end opposite the door, a lavatory pan with no wooden seat. There
were four telescreens, one in each
wall.
This setting completely
blocks out comprehension of the once known to him outside world. This outside world has
windows and people and something to look at. This place just has something that looks at
him... non-stop.
How would that feel to be constantly
watched?
When mixed with other prisoners, Winston notices
the described difference between Party and common criminals. People in here just for
petty crimes don't seem to have a care in the world. Party criminals wear fear. This
further develops and justifies Winston's growing perception that he is in great trouble
and he fears the coming tactics whatever they may be. The fact that they are unknown
demonstrates part of the philosophy of the rulers of the party. Keeping Winston guessing
makes this understanding more unbearable.
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