I had an idea what this book was about because we had talked about it a bit in class. So the idea of the whole spying thing was pretty much what I had in mind, exept not quite to this extent, and I thought that it they were going to be "watching you" they would do it more in secrecy. Although I think the idea of letting the people know they are being watched constantly puts a fear in them that is unmatched by any sence of wonder if they are spying on you or not. Thinking about the other book we are reading right now, we know that this is obviously a political statement criticizing governments that are too controlling.
A few things I didn't understand is what exactly he does for a job? What exactly ingsoc means? And are the "thought police" just ordinary people? Is that why he can't just go talk to O'Brien?
I think this book is going to serve more that one purpose, too. I'm starting to see a few other themes including conformity and (well im not really sure if this is necessarily a "theme") but how easily people can be brainwashed. The conformity theme obviously comes into play when we realize that this once great nation was taken over by a nazi like party and within a few years Winston wonders if he is the only one who doesn't agree with the new Party. As in many times in society, people are too afraid to be different, to challenge authority, and in return live a life of lies. The brainwashing aspect can parallel conformity, but these people were actually brainwashed! I see this happening when Winston tries to remember when the Party actually came into existance, because the Party has people believing that it has been in existance forever, and that they have never had dealings with nations that they are at war with now, and they have people believing that they can erase the past!
After reading my first bit of the book, I think it is going to be an enjoyable, yet difficult to fully understand. At this point I have no predictions because we aren't exactly sure what the main idea or "quest" Winston is perhaps going to embark on.
