Chapter ten is a pivotal moment for Winston and Julia’s story. Having read enough of Goldstein’s book for the night, Winston prepares to retire to bed with Julia. However, they are soon awoken by the sound of a proletarian woman singing a popular song while doing her laundry. She is a large, thickly built woman, and Winston finds her very attractive. He once again finds himself thinking that if there is any hope, it must lie with the proles. Though he still hasn’t finished Goldstein’s book, he is sure of the book’s message. He speaks his thoughts aloud, and Julia echoes him when—suddenly—an iron voice behind him repeats the same words.

This voice, they notice, is coming from a picture frame behind them. It orders them not to move. The picture crashes to the floor, revealing the telescreen. In a matter of seconds, the room is swarmed by men in black uniforms. First, they strike Julia and take her away. Mr. Charrington then steps in, with a much changed look and accent. Readers find out that Mr. Charrington was never the humble shopkeeper Winston thought he was. He is a member of the Thought Police.