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What happens to Winston and Julia in 1984?

In 1984, Winston and Julia rebel by going to O'Brien's apartment where they agree to become members of the Brotherhood, a secret organisation which seeks to bring down the Party. Later, O'Brien gives them a copy of 'The Book,' purportedly written by Emmanuel Goldstein, which they are reading in the room above Mr Charrington's shop when they are arrested. They soon realise that the Brotherhood does not exist and that O'Brien is, in fact,...

In 1984, Winston and Julia rebel by going to O'Brien's apartment where they agree to become members of the Brotherhood, a secret organisation which seeks to bring down the Party. Later, O'Brien gives them a copy of 'The Book,' purportedly written by Emmanuel Goldstein, which they are reading in the room above Mr Charrington's shop when they are arrested. They soon realise that the Brotherhood does not exist and that O'Brien is, in fact, a member of the Thought Police.


After their arrest, they are separated and taken to the Ministry of Love. We do not learn the details of Julia's imprisonment but Winston's is marked by violence and torture. As O'Brien, his torturer, tells him, Winston must undergo three stages in the Ministry which will bring about his reintegration into society:



There is learning, there is understanding, and there is acceptance.



The final stage of this reintegration takes place in Room 101 where Winston is confronted with rats, his greatest fear. It is at this point that he finally caves and betrays Julia:



Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia!



Shortly after, Winston is released from the Ministry of Love and, as the book closes, Winston and Julia are like strangers: their relationship is over and their love for each other is replaced by a love of Big Brother.

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