In the book, Winston is harshly tortured, and O'Brian tells him he is eventually to be vaporized. O'Brian makes Winston believe that all persecuted of crime against the party are tortured before they are vaporized. But why would they torture criminals before vaporizing/killing them? Is it just because they're cruel and like the idea of inflicting pain unto the 'corrupt'? Or is there an actual reason for torture before death?
-pogona