1984 Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1, Chapter 7 Summary

Part 1, Chapter 7 Summary

Winston writes in his journal, "If there is hope it lies in the proles." "Proles" is short for "proletarians," which is a word for the working class. He reflects on the current situation in Oceania where 85% of the population is proles. He thought about the percentage. The proles could easily take over the Party. An uprising would be unstoppable. The problem, of course, is that it had been easy for the Party to keep control of the masses. The Thought Police moved secretly among them, finding and removing any one who seemed to be a potential threat to the system. By disbanding any potential leaders and groups that started to form, they prevented the force that could instigate rebellion. They allowed them to commit all criminal acts and live in perfect ignorance. "Proles and animals are free," another Party slogan, succinctly describes the management of the majority of the...
(read more)