Winston is back at work and Syme, the Newspeak expert, has vanished. Preparations for Hate Week are going on all over London.
Winston and Julia still meet in Mr. Charrington’s room over the junk shop. Both are now aware that what they have together cannot last long. They talk of the war, which Julia believes is not truly happening, and they talk of people being vaporized. They daydream about being married and about engaging in active rebellion against the Party. Winston tries to make Julia understand that history is constantly being altered, but Julia does not see the significance in that fact. She is not interested in the past or the next generation of people; she is only interested in her relationship with Winston.
Back at work, O’Brien, an Inner Party member, approaches Winston and compliments him on his articles in the Times. O’Brien speaks to Winston about Syme, who is now an unperson and not to be discussed. Winston takes this conversation as a sign that O’Brien is on his side. O’Brien offers to lend Winston a copy of the latest edition of the Newspeak dictionary and gives Winston his address. Winston believes that this is the moment he has been waiting for, but he also realizes that by taking this step, he is destined for an early grave.
