In Chapter 22 of George Orwell’s 1984, Winston meets Room 101. This is the place where censorship stops being an idea and starts gnawing on your face. Jennifer and Dan break down how totalitarian regimes use fear to crush free thought, why banned books like this still matter, and what happens when survival trumps love.

From Orwell’s most terrifying invention to modern censorship battles, this episode blends dark comedy, literary critique, and the uncomfortable realization that maybe the scariest part is how familiar it all feels.

Things To Listen For:

• The rats (yes, actual rats) that make Room 101 infamous
• How fear became the ultimate censorship weapon
• Why 1984 is still banned and challenged around the world
• Jennifer and Dan’s theories about whether Winston ever had a choice

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:
This week, we recommend Good News for Lefties, the podcast that reminds you democracy still has a fighting chance, and Here’s the Scoop, MSNBC’s daily look at politics, censorship, and the stories behind the headlines.

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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 We Discussed:
Room 101 and psychological torture
Betrayal as a tool of control
The limits of love under oppression
Why 1984 still terrifies censors
Survival at any cost
Banned books and modern authoritarianism