Answer:
It is exactly the number of months a baby spends in the womb.
Explanation:
In George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four," Winston is tortured for a period of nine months in order to change his perception of The Party. In that respect, O'Brien acknowledges the Party intends to brainwash Winston until he is trustworthy. For that reason, the prisoner is finally taken to Room 101 to be re-educated, where he is tormented by his worst fear: hungry rats.
