Winston says four. The Party says five. The pain dial says... crank it to 90.
This chapter is Orwell at his most brutal, and Dan and Jennifer are not okay.
Gaslighting gets an upgrade, truth gets memory-holed, and we all learn the Party’s favorite math trick: reality = whatever they say it is.

Dan considers giving in. Jennifer basically volunteers to die on this hill.

Welcome to the moment Winston starts loving Big Brother... and not in a cute, enemies-to-lovers fanfic way.

Things To Listen For:

• The four fingers test that broke the internet (or would’ve, if the Party allowed internet).
• Jennifer’s very calm and rational theory that O’Brien used to be just like Winston.
• Dan’s descent into “why not just lie if it saves your skin” mode.
• The terrifying moment where Winston confuses his torturer for his protector.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

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Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of 1984 by George Orwell for the purposes of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. Some passages may be lightly abridged for pacing, but we remain true to Orwell’s intent. To experience the full work, purchase a copy here. We are not affiliated with Orwell’s estate or publisher.

Topics Covered:
1984, gaslighting, authoritarianism, memory holes, reality denial, torture scenes, O'Brien, censorship, banned books, four fingers test, thoughtcrime, Winston Smith, Jennifer's moral backbone, Dan’s survival instincts, Robot’s historical resistance shoutouts