Chapter 2

 In chapter 2, we begin to see more of the domestic life of Airstrip One. We're going to take a closer look at thoughtcrime and family. Winston describes Parsons with some disgust, and considers his children with disdain.

• First - family. The children accuse Winston of thoughtcrime, and are very active. Mrs Parsons even expresses her exhaustion. The kids are dressed in a uniform for a youth club associated with the Party's values. What is the role of children in Airstrip One? The role of filial piety (love and loyalty of family)? Reflect on children and family and write an extended paragraph on these questions.

Winston states that "Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death." (p. 30)

• One of the goals of the novel is to persuade us that even the capacity for free thought can be controlled and regulated. What exactly is thoughtcrime, and why is the Party interested in it? What does Winston mean by the quote above? 

Remember - as we read, we should keep an eye out for a passage that may work for a close reading anaylsis!