p. 181 "There was a riotous interlude while posters were ripped from the walls, banners torn to shreds and trampled underfoot. The Spies performed prodigies of activity in clambering over the rooftops and cutting the streamers that fluttered from the chimneys. But within two or three minutes it was all over. The orator, still gripping the neck of the microphone, his shoulders hunched forward, his free hand clawing at the air , had gone straight on with his speech...."
The descriptive imagery which goes on in this scene helps to give further detail of the peoples' reaction to a change in history before their eyes. Since so much description is offered, it is easy to see how quickly the people are willing to change their own memories, to give up the past. This explains how it is that no one can recall a time before when Oceania was at war with Eastasia These details show what extreme power the Party holds. They control what is remembered and forgotten, and in this scene, one is given a prime example of the change in the citizens' everyday life. The image of the orator, "clawing at the air", is violent and powerful, and the fact that he did not pause in his speech shows the power the Party holds. They are prepared for change on a whim. Overall, the imagery of the occurrences on pages 180-182 help to clarify some of the situations and changes of the past Winston had alluded to in previous pages.
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