I loved how I was drawn into a world of constant duplicity, manipulation, and surveillance through this first chapter. The opening image sets a foreboding tone that continues throughout as the reader is introduced to Winston Smith. Immediately, the author depicts a society in decay by describing the "gritty dust," "hallways [smelling] of boiled cabbage and old rag mats," elevators out of order, and the electrical current that’s off during the day. I loved how the other characters are introduced through Winston's own perception. The main two that are described are Julia and, O’Brien. He sees Julia as a symbol of social orthodoxy which makes him slightly uncomfortable, and he feels a certain comradeship with O'Brien because of his lack of perfection
