In George Orwell’s 1984, O’Brien’s treatment of Winston in the Ministry of Love is made disturbing through the portrayal of psychological manipulation, physical torture, betrayal and deception, and the extreme power imbalance, as seen in the following quotes and explanations:

Psychological Manipulation:

“Your worst enemy, he reflected, was your own nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom.” (Part Three, Chapter Five)