Is 1984 Winston A Hero

Words: 1064

Pages: 5

Open Document

In all forms of literature, as well as reality, the mind always grasps to the idea of a “hero.” One who seeks good through trial and brings refreshing eras of prosperity to the world and the people within it. Though, what exactly outlines a “hero,” and to what lengths must one go to achieve this title? As defined by the prestigious author, George Orwell, a hero is an “ordinary person doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed.” With this definition clearly outlined, many ask themselves if one of Orwell’s most famous characters meets this criterion, that being Winston Smith in the literary work known as “1984.” With a clear dystopian setting, and not much for one individual to do in order to change that, the question of Winston being a hero crosses the minds Though, by attentively observing his actions in such desperate times, I believe Winston Smith’s title becomes much more …show more content…
The story takes place in the fictional nation of “Oceania,” fueled by a party system known as “Ingsoc,” which is short for English Socialism. Four ministries take order within Oceania, working as a force that controls every aspect of humanity. These are the Ministry of Truth, the Ministry of Love, the Ministry of Peace, and the Ministry of Plenty. Each has their uses within the government, and even Winston is not exempt from their influence, for he personally works for the Ministry of Truth. All is monitored within Oceania, and nothing goes unturned in the eyes of the government. This constant moderation is titled by the phrase “Big Brother,” and is represented by a stern male figure adored upon posters and screens across Oceania. With a setting devoid of such basic human liberties, one must factor in if a hero arising is even a possibility. However, personally, I believe that with the existence of the human spirit, a hero is always

1984 Winston Smith A Hero

a real hero is defined by their compassion and willingness to act for the good of others. The core of heroism is captured by the courageous choices made when facing risks, hence embodying the spirit of bravery that defines a true hero. To stay resilient in the face of danger is no easy task, which further demonstrates a human quality that some might not…

Words 1045 - Pages 5

Is Winston A Hero In The Novel 1984

what a hero is raging from a superhero who wears a cape and takes down the evil villain, to a soldier fighting for our country, to an ordinary person going out of their way to help others. Author George Orwell defines a hero as ordinary people doing whatever they can to change social systems that do not respect human decency, even with the knowledge that they can’t possibly succeed. By this definition in his novel 1984 the main character, Winston, is not a hero. Throughout the novel Winston does things…

Words 479 - Pages 2

1984 Essay

The reader is filled with total cynicism after reading 1984. Do you agree? In his novel ‘1984’, George Orwell describes a terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime. The citizens of Oceania are ruled by fear, brainwashed by propaganda, constantly being watched, have no rights and certainly no freedom of expression. The amount of power Ingsoc has on its people is so great that people in the society don’t even possess the ability to think…

Words 970 - Pages 4

Who Is The Hero In George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four

Winston Smith is the protagonist of a novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four composed by George Orwell and distributed in 1949. The novel displays an imaginary future of 1984 administered by a gathering known as the Party, whose despot is called Big Brother. The Party controls all parts of individuals' lives, including their musings. The name of the state is Oceania where Winston is an occupant. He loathes the social frameworks that administer the residents therein. They are led by extreme dread. They have…

Words 1269 - Pages 6

1984 Winston Smith Character Analysis

“1984”, written by George Orwell, is a moving story that makes use of an ordinary person who inhabits a dystopian time and place. Freedoms grow scarce due to government control, history is constantly changing and fading away, and everyone seems to accept this way of life due to fear and no acts of rebellion against the Party. Winston Smith is an ordinary man, yet by Orwell’s definition of heroism, Smith can be seen as a heroic person. Smith is someone that readers develop a since of admiration for…

Words 1076 - Pages 5

Big Brother 1984 Analysis

person unless you are a member of Big Brother's control. George Orwell’s novel 1984 discusses a mass society all brainwashed and controlled by Big Brother. His influence is wide and ranges, society is brainwashed and what does psychology say about it? Big Brother has already proved his power but is he really controlling reality too? Big Brother has influence everywhere. He is paraded through telescreen propaganda, made the hero of the two minutes’ hate, and always watching through posters. From the moment…

Words 751 - Pages 4

The Destruction Of Humanity In George Orwell's 1984

humans lose both their souls and their human nature behind the shroud of screens. Avoiding contact that makes humans social, generous, and kind, we become insensitive, as well as detached. 1984 foreshadows the catastrophic events that could occur if we do not begin to become human once more, like the proles. By using 1984 as a warning, it could assist us in forming our own opinions, keeping our souls, and preserving ourselves human. Fromm’s quote is relevant to today, as we have put our faith into one…

Words 492 - Pages 2

Hero's Journey Analysis

stages of a hero’s journey present according to Joseph Campbell. The hero starts off in an odd situation that is not the same as any…

Words 1680 - Pages 7

The Power of Fear Essay examples

much more. Fear is power [19]. If someone fears you, you may control them with a threat or persuade them with a suggestion or even order them with your eyes [4a]. This is precisely what the government in George Orwell's novel 1984 does in order to control their citizens. The 1984 government, The Party, is totalitarian, which translates to complete governmental control. Because leading Party members can do whatever they please, surveillance and severe punishments for law breakers are widespread. Not…

Words 1815 - Pages 8

Response To George Orwell's '1984'

1984 by George Orwell This book is about a low-ranking member of the Party named Winston Smith in a nation called Oceana. Oceana was formerly known as England but is now part of a bigger state and is now controlled by a political regime. There is a the leader of the Party known as the “Big Brother” who keeps an ever watchful eye over our protagonist through a thing called a telescreens. George Orwell wrote that, “Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked…

Words 547 - Pages 3