What is the frightening question Winston hesitates to ask? literacy term

seems to
hesitates asking when he will meet up withagain in Book 2, chapter 7. At this point he mentions
"the place where there is no darkness." At that point O'Brien seems to get the idea
that Winston is using an(possibly the literary term you are looking for). O'Brien agrees at that
point which is  because they do later meet in "the place where
there is no darkness."

You cite Book 3, chapter 2. This is where they
meet in the light, the light of what seems to be an interrogation room.

By
the end of this chapter, Winston is given the chance to ask any questions he wants to. He asks
a few, but the one he really wanted to ask evaded him for a while. Finally, Winston
asks:

'What is in Room 101?'

The
expression on O'Brien's face did not change. He answered drily:

'You know
what is in Room 101, Winston. Everyone knows what is in Room 101.'

This may be a reference to the literacy term because Room 101 might be an allusion to
learning. All entry level college classes start with the number 101. After you pass the 101 you
can go on.

I hope that helps, your idea of a literary term is confusing as to
what you are looking for.