What question would you ask in a post–Room 101 interview with Winston Smith?

I love the idea of a post–Room 101 interview with Winston—the book’s actual ending is haunting, of course, but I think that exploring what happens after Winston’s conversion is a great way to solidify things, if only in your own mind.

After offering Winston a drink (water, alcohol, whatever seems appropriate after what the guy’s been through), I’d ask him to tell me something about Julia. While their reunion was actually covered in “1984” to...

I love the idea of a post–Room 101 interview with Winston—the book’s actual ending is haunting, of course, but I think that exploring what happens after Winston’s conversion is a great way to solidify things, if only in your own mind.

After offering Winston a drink (water, alcohol, whatever seems appropriate after what the guy’s been through), I’d ask him to tell me something about Julia. While their reunion was actually covered in “1984” to some extent, and while Orwell revealed that they don’t have feelings for each other anymore, Winston may still have something to say about his former lover/partner in thought- and sex-crime. Perhaps he’ll go on a rant about how traitors like that are a threat to the Party. Maybe he’ll shrug and say that he’s aware of her existence, but feels nothing for her. Or he could just stare blankly at O’Brien as if he (Winston) has no idea who Julia is anymore. Or maybe something else could happen!