Final answer:
Winston realizes Charrington is not who he appears to be, revealing the extent of the government's surveillance and deception in 1984.
Step-by-step explanation:
As Winston looks at Charrington, he realizes that Charrington is not who he appears to be. Charrington is not just an ordinary old man running an antiques shop, but rather a member of the Thought Police, an organization responsible for monitoring and controlling the citizens of Oceania in George Orwell's novel, 1984.
This realization is significant because it reveals the extent of the government's surveillance and deception. It also deepens Winston's understanding of the oppressive nature of the Party and the dangers he faces in his rebellion against it.
For example, earlier in the story, Charrington had shown Winston a hidden room above the shop that he believed was a safe refuge for their forbidden love affair and rebellion. However, it is later revealed that the room is actually equipped with a telescreen, a device used by the Party to spy on its citizens.