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1984

Part One

Chapter 2

Chapter Summary

In this chapter, Winston Smith finds himself attending the mandatory 'Two Minutes Hate' session, a daily ritual imposed by the Party to channel the population's emotions into fervent hatred against its enemies. The session is held in front of a large telescreen, a device that not only broadcasts propaganda but also monitors the citizens' behavior. Winston, along with his fellow Party members, is subjected to a barrage of images and slogans that incite anger and fear towards the Party's adversaries, particularly the figure of Emmanuel Goldstein, who is portrayed as the ultimate enemy and traitor.
As the session commences, Winston feels an involuntary surge of emotion, joining the others in their collective outpouring of rage. He begins to experience a confusing mix of hatred directed not only at Goldstein but also at the Party itself. This internal conflict highlights the oppressive nature of the regime, where individuals are forced to conform to communal emotions, suppressing any personal dissent or critical thought.
The atmosphere in the room is electric, as the chanting audience becomes increasingly agitated, fueled by the propaganda. The telescreen displays images of Goldstein, depicting him as a sinister figure, further igniting the crowd's fury. Winston observes the frenzy around him, noting how easily his colleagues are swept away in the moment. This collective hysteria is a tool of the Party, designed to unify the citizens against a common enemy and distract them from their own grievances.
Amidst the chaos, Winston's mind wanders to his own feelings of rebellion against the Party. He reflects on the futility of such hatred, recognizing that it is the Party that manipulates their emotions, using them as a means of control. Even as he participates in the hate, he is aware of the paradox of his emotions; he hates the Party but finds himself caught in their orchestrated display of loyalty.
As the session concludes, the audience's emotions shift from hatred to a forced sense of loyalty towards Big Brother, the face of the Party. Winston, however, feels a profound sense of disconnection from this enforced allegiance. The chapter ends with him grappling with the realization that the Party's power lies in its ability to manipulate the truth and control the thoughts and feelings of individuals.
Through this chapter, Orwell illustrates the psychological manipulation that the Party employs to maintain its dominance. The Two Minutes Hate serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which totalitarian regimes will go to suppress dissent and control the populace, using fear and hatred as tools to reinforce their authority.