jaylar
When one reads a book, getting to the end is often the goal. The intricacies, the by the way remarks, blur and are often unexamined. Perhaps they are subconsciously retained, perhaps, unnoticed.
When one rereads a book, knowing ‘how it ends’, there is time to savour, time to recognise, and gain a clarity.
The pitiful innocence of Winston and Julia, is tragic. For O’Brien to pose the questions, to ascertain how far Winston and Julia are willing to go, should cause suspicion, but does not.
O’Brien doesn’t know them, he has no idea of their capabilities or lacks. Yet, instead of a slow process of learning who they are, the possibility they could be of use to this ‘revolution’, he plunges in, extracting their compliance.
Why are they so open? Why are they so willing to agree to such horrific acts?
Rereading Part II Chapter 8 one can only conclude that O’Brien is setting them up. And it is obvious on rereading.
