1984 Part Three Ch. 2

"He had the feeling that O'Brien was his protector, that pain was something from some other source, and that it was O'Brien who would save him from it" (250).

O'Brien is a very dangerous and manipulative man. He is no ordinary Party member. O'Brien is a clever person who knows how to use the Party's two objectives skillfully. He knows exactly what Winston is thinking, recalls almost every detail of Winston's personal thoughts and emotions, and acts as though he is a trustworthy friend. With O'Brien, a person doesn't know what they should believe. Winston tells O'Brien that O'Brien has no control over him, but Winston doesn't realize that O'Brien has obtained a lot more than control over him. It is positive O'Brien knows Winston is right, but O'Brien manages to convince Winston that he is insane. O'Brien manipulates Winston into thinking that he is a friend and is simply trying to help Winston. O'Brien convinces Winston into believing O'Brien uses doublethink when he is simply playing around with the power of the Party. O'Brien shows great authority and is definitely a more powerful person than a regular Inner Party member. O'Brien is the man behind all the torture, decisions, and the Party. O'Brien gives Winston reasons to believe the Party only means well for its comrades in a kind, persuasive manner. Winston is really not insane. O'Brien is clever when he mentions that martyrdom is not allowed. If there were martyrs, then people would have a reason to revolt. The Party was smart when they chose to convert people into sanity instead of leaving them as they were with the supposedly wrong ideas in mind before letting them out. Poor Winston really thinks O'Brien is a fine and gentle man. He doesn't realize what O'Brien is doing to him and it is almost inevitable that Winston will become a follower of Big Brother.

Prevaricate (245): v. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.

Vindicate (254): v. to uphold or justify by argument or evidence.