Chapters 21-23:
As a result a person can only take so much from pain and will often do whatever it takes to get rid of it whether it be mentally or physically. The rats symbolized Winstons worst fears. Considering Winston had yet to even be touched by the rats the idea of being near rats and being physically harmed by them caused his mind to go into fight or flight mode. Therefor he was so quick to betray all he loved. We go to see how much control a government has on us and how much they over power what we say or do, consuming us to be mind controlled into believing what is happening to be completely normal. Realizing that living in a controlled society is all we know and all we ever will know and once you accept it and love it the more at peace you will be with yourself and those around you.