Character Analysis in 1984

In Chapter Five, Winston has lunch with Syme, who is working on the Newspeak dictionary. Syme explains the philosophy behind Newspeak, and Winston secretly believes Syme is too intelligent for the society and will be executed. Winston becomes distracted by a loud man and his secretary, realizing their conversation is likely party propaganda. Mr. Parsons joins them, and they discuss public hangings. A telescreen message announces an increase in chocolate rations, which Winston knows is a reduction. He feels conflicted about the party's propaganda. Winston fears being watched and recognizes the secretary as the girl from his dreams.

Who is Syme and what is his role in the Party?

• A prole living outside the Party's influence

• A member of the Thought Police

• An intellectual working on the Newspeak dictionary

• A rebellious thinker against the Party

What does Winston secretly think about Syme?

• Syme is too loyal to the Party

• Syme is too intelligent to survive in their society

• Syme is a potential ally against the Party

• Syme is indifferent to the Party's rules

What realization does Winston have about the loud man's conversation?

• It is a secret code against the Party

• It is likely meaningless Party propaganda

• It is a discussion about overthrowing the Party

• It is a personal conversation unrelated to the Party

How is Mr. Parsons described in the text?

• A disloyal and skeptical Party member

• An intelligent and rebellious Party member

• A loyal and naive Party member

• A secretive and cunning Party member

What does the telescreen announcement about chocolate rations reveal?

• The Party's lack of resources

• The Party's manipulation of facts

• The Party's concern for citizens' health

• The Party's generosity

How does Winston feel about the Party's propaganda?

• He is deeply conflicted and opposed to it

• He fully supports it

• He is indifferent to it

• He is unaware of it

Who does Winston realize the secretary is?

• A relative he hasn't seen in years

• A member of the Thought Police

• The dark-haired girl from his dreams

• A close friend from his past