In this chapter, Winston Smith and Julia venture into the Prole district, a part of Oceania where the working-class citizens, known as Proles, reside. This area is largely ignored by the Party, which believes that the Proles are too uneducated and disorganized to pose a threat to its power. For Winston, the Prole district represents a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of Party-controlled society. It is a place where he hopes to glimpse a semblance of genuine life and freedom.

As they walk through the Prole district, Winston is struck by the vibrant, albeit chaotic, nature of life there. The streets are bustling with activity, filled with shops, markets, and the sounds of laughter and conversation, which starkly contrasts with the sterile, controlled environment of the Party's realm. Winston observes the Proles engaging in simple pleasures, such as gambling, drinking, and socializing, which he finds refreshing and invigorating. This freedom of expression is something he yearns for but is denied under the Party's regime.

Winston and Julia stop by a shop where they browse through various items, including an antique glass paperweight that Winston had previously purchased. The paperweight symbolizes his longing for the past and a world untouched by Party propaganda. It serves as a reminder of individuality and the lost beauty of history, as it contains a piece of coral, representing a time that predates the Party's total control.

During their exploration, they reflect on the nature of the Proles and their potential for rebellion. Winston believes that if the Proles could become aware of their strength in numbers, they could overthrow the Party. He sees them as the only hope for a successful uprising, since they are not under the same level of surveillance as Party members. Despite his convictions, he recognizes that the Proles are largely apathetic and disinterested in political matters, focusing instead on their daily lives and struggles.

As they continue their walk, they encounter a group of singing women and a man playing a game of chance, which reinforces Winston's view that the Proles live more freely than Party members. However, there is also a sense of despair in Winston, as he realizes that the Proles’ freedom comes at the cost of ignorance and lack of awareness of their oppression. He feels a deep sense of loneliness and a desire for connection in this world that is otherwise dominated by control and surveillance.

The chapter concludes with the couple's growing bond and a sense of hope, albeit fragile, as they relish the moments of freedom they share together in the Prole district. This chapter illustrates the stark differences between the lives of the Party members and the Proles, while also highlighting Winston's ongoing struggle with his identity and his yearning for a reality beyond the Party's manipulation.