The 'memory holes' are used to dispose of documents and papers that need to be destroyed. When a document is thrown into the hole, a warm airflow carries it to a large boiler below the building where it is incinerated. This ensures that unwanted or incorrect information is permanently erased.
Winston feels a sense of satisfaction because the fourth instruction is a complex and responsible task, which he prefers to handle last. The other instructions are routine and monotonous, making the fourth one more engaging and challenging.
The constant revision of historical records ensures that the Party's predictions and statements always appear correct. Any news or opinions that do not align with the current narrative are erased, making it impossible to prove that history has been falsified. This process applies to all forms of media, including newspapers, books, and photographs.
Winston's work involves altering statistical data to match the Party's narrative. For example, he adjusts the predicted and actual production numbers of goods like shoes to make it appear that the Party's plans were successfully met, even if the original numbers were wildly inaccurate or fabricated.
The Records Department is responsible for revising and destroying outdated or politically incorrect books, newspapers, and other documents. This ensures that all historical records align with the Party's current ideology, making it impossible to prove any discrepancies or falsifications.