"It was starting, it was starting at last! They could do nothing except stand gazing into one another's eyes. To run for life, to get out of the house before it was too late- no such thought occurred to them. Unthinkable to disobey the iron voice from the wall" (182).
The expression "at last" is usually used to declare excitement about the arrival of an anticipated event. Orwell uses this expression to suggest that Winston wanted this to happen. Winston's desire here is most likely due to the brainwashing by the Party. This becomes more clear when it is impossible - even "unthinkable" - for either Julia or Winston to "disobey the iron voice." Describing the voice as "iron" demonstrates the strength it holds. In the Bible, iron is used to represent inexorable rule and Orwell's use is no different. It is actually impossible for Winston or Julia to defy the voice.
Work Cited:
Kirkpatrick, George. "The Types and Symbols of the Bible." New Foundations. 22 Aug. 2010 <http://www.newfoundationspubl.org/types.htm>.
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