"Perhaps it was only when people were somewhere near the starvation level that they had anything to sing about." (142)

           This reference to the prole woman singing outside is Orwell's way of saying that one does not need money or power to be happy. The fact that the proles seem more content than the Party members shows that Orwell supports the everyday person, and a simpler way of life. It also shows, however, that ignorance truly is strength. The proles have no idea whatsoever that they are being brainwashed and controlled by The Party. The ones who are smart enough to even attempt  know better are vaporized. This could be Orwell's subtle longing for a more simple way of life- perhaps he feels that he himself would be happier if he was oblivious to all the corruption in the world.