"Their real weapon was the merciless questioning that went on and on hour after hour, tripping him up, laying traps for him, twisting everything that he said, convicting him of every step of lies and self-contradiction, until he began weeping as much from shame as from nervous fatigue" (241)
Literary term: Theme
One of the major themes of this novels concerns the difference between physical and mental acceptance. Before becoming a prisoner, Winston practiced the notion of accepting the Party strictly in a physical sense and learned to find mental freedom. The purpose of the Ministry of Love and the source of power for the Party is found in the mindless loyal party members that give both aspects to the Party. "Big Brother's" goal is simply to push the citizens to not only give physically but to release control of mentality and originality. This quote about the questioning displays this desire as well as the differing levels of pain between mental and physical torture. More prisoners, Winston, and citizens in general will refrain as long as possible and accept most physical pain before being defeated mentally. However once they are defeated mentally, the are at the mercy of the Party, as displayed by this quote as well as the shell Winston becomes after he is released from the Ministry of Love.
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