Summary

When John returns, his manner is clearly different, but Winston does not seem to notice as he launches straight into his complaints, criticism, and refusal to play Antigone. John tries to get Winston’s attention, but Winston continues, saying that they have “been together in this cell too long now to quarrel about rubbish” (211). He reminds John that he cannot stand being laughed at, saying that he will fight the first person who laughs at him and reminding John how angry he got when John started laughing.

Eventually, Winston notices that something is different, and asks what has happened, worried that they are about to be sent into solitary. John tells him that he has been taken to see a man named Prinsloo. Winston is both impressed and surprised. John then says Prinsloo told him that his lawyer has been working hard...