In George Orwell’s 1948 what does O’Brien and Winston discuss in the corridor?
Answer:
O’Brien is walking right behind him and coughs to get his attention. He compliments Winston’s use of Newspeak in a recent article and mentions that he was recently speaking to ‘a friend’ of Winston’s who agreed that Winston uses Newspeak well. This is clearly a reference to Syme, who is now an “unperson.” In mentioning him, O’Brien has committed thoughtcrime. Winston realizes this comment must be a kind of signal. O’Brien offers to lend Winston the latest edition of the Newspeak.
