The novel begins with Winston arriving at his apartment and beginning to write in his diary. Then it shifts to events that happened earlier in the morning and describes the “Two-minute Hate.”

The Two Minutes Hate is a ritual performed daily by all of the citizens in Airstrip One. During this two minute ritual, everyone watches a film of propaganda, which includes video of the Party's enemies. The citizens react angrily to these films and scream at the screen. The Party's purpose for this exercise is to stamp out the individuality of its citizens, as they share similar emotions and reactions. This is a group exercise that promotes sameness.