Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

In the midst of scrawling "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" in his journal, Winston is interrupted by a knock at the door. His insides jolt as he is expecting the Thought Police to be waiting to take him in. He is relieved to find that it is his neighbor Mrs. Parsons requesting some help with a clogged drain. In addition to the familiar smell of boiled cabbage shared by the building, Winston finds that the Parsons' flat stinks of sweat. We find out that this smell is the calling card of Mr. Parsons (Tom). He is not there, which is why Winston is being called upon to help with the clog. While freeing the drain he is attacked by the Parsons' children who were wearing the characteristic gray shorts, blue shorts, and red neckerchiefs that made up the official garb of the...