This is the first chapter to give readers a glimpse into the nature of Winston’s daily interactions with his fellow workers. At lunch, Winston’s “friend” (Syme is not really his friend in the truest sense of the term, the reader realizes), lectures him on the principles of Newspeak. Readers can sense that there is no real connection between Syme and Winston during these interactions. This is because Big Brother is constantly surveilling everyone’s actions. In fact, one can land in trouble even for a facial expression deemed inappropriate (“facecrime”) by the Party. Winston, being aware of the constant surveillance, can never let his guard down. In general, subjects are required to be ever-alert and exhibit proper conduct at all times—attitudes and mannerisms ought not to even remotely make the Party suspicious of one’s behavior.

Syme discusses the details of his job with Winston in this chapter. Though Winston does not consider Syme a friend, he is very interested in the conversation because he thinks of Syme as a very intelligent person. Syme works at the Ministry of Truth, where he is updating an authoritative Newspeak dictionary. Newspeak is the language that is expected to replace traditional English, which is often referred to by the Party as Oldspeak. This is the first time readers are given a detailed explanation of Newspeak’s significance and features. An important component of this ongoing transition to Newspeak involves the elimination and destruction of words aimed at stripping the language down to its bare essentials. The goal is to narrow one’s range of thought. It is only then, after making language “perfect,” that the Party will settle. Syme claims that by the year 2050 everyone would be fluent in Newspeak. Though Winston is disturbed by these ideas, he ensures he does not disclose his discomfort, even inadvertently, to Syme.

Although Syme seems diligent and genuine about his work, Winston fears he may still be vaporized. Syme lacks the “discretion, aloofness, a sort of saving stupidity” to last in the rigid and paranoid society designed by the Party, Winston thinks. In contrast to this, there is Parsons who later joins Syme and Winston at their table. An unthinking, ardent supporter of the Party, Parsons is actively involved in raising money for patriotic events such as Hate Week. Having taken his seat, Parsons first apologizes to Winston for his son’s poor behavior. Nonetheless, Parsons also makes it evident that he is rather proud of his children’s keenness and drive to spot potential traitors.

The chapter also shows readers that the physical world is stripped of niceties and pleasures. Food, too, is rather stale and not enjoyable, with trays and mugs made greasy by neglect. “Always in your stomach and in your skin,” Winston thinks of the food. It felt like one was constantly deprived of even fundamental things one was otherwise entitled to. The chapter constantly reminds the reader of how gloomy the world is, how nobody takes pleasure in anything physical. Everyone wears the same clothes and has similar thoughts.

The Ministry of Plenty interrupts the lunch to discuss the economy’s “progress.” The briefing, Winston observes, involves nothing but lies. He notices a dark-haired girl at the table next to him. She, too, glances briefly in his direction. Panic-stricken, Winston wonders if she might be a member of the Thought Police tasked with the duty of following him.