1984 a novel written by George Orwell depicts a time where the government at the time is in complete control of its citizens. The main character throughout the novel is Winston Smith, an employee for the government. He works in the Ministry of Truth records department. Throughout the novel he displays heroic acts and attempts to change the society in which he lives for the better. Through his heroic efforts he strives for freedom for his fellow people regardless of his fate in the end.
Winston is just an ordinary everyday guy who despises Big Brother, the government his society is controlled by. His first act of defiance towards Big Brother is when he purchases a diary and begins to write his thoughts in it. This in itself, is a heroic trait. …show more content…
He knows from the very beginning the consequences his defiance holds. He is in risk of being tortured, murdered, and vaporized. He has witnessed it all before yet he still sticks to his plan of weakening Big Brother. The moment he opens the diary to write his thoughts down he knows he is in danger of getting caught and receiving the consequences from Big Brother. “The diary would be reduced to ashes and himself to vapour. Only the Thought Police would read what he had written, before they wiped it out of existence and out of memory.” He tells readers that his actions will be punished by death and yet he still continues to do it. He is willing to sacrifice his life for his cause. When the women for the Department of Fiction bumps into him and leaves him a note saying “I love you” he takes a risk trying to make contact with her again. Their first time alone they both take part in a sexual experience, which is only condoned by Big Brother for reproduction purposes, pleasure from the act is condemned. Although these action benefited himself, the action is still considered heroic because Winston is rebelling against Big Brother. He also faces the chance of being caught since the encounter took place outside. If he would have been caught they both could have been killed. When Winston is invited to O’Brien’s home he understands what the meeting would be about. Once he arrives he is asked a series of questions about joining the Brotherhood, a secret organization plotting to over throw Big Brother. Obrien asks “‘You are prepared to give your lives?’” He responds yes. This reveals how dedicated he is and how much he is willing to sacrifice.
Many of the traits Winston has coincide with that of a hero. He displays that he is willing to sacrifice his life while dedicating his life to that cause. Through his heroic efforts he strives for freedom for his fellow people regardless of his
Winston is just an ordinary everyday guy who despises Big Brother, the government his society is controlled by. His first act of defiance towards Big Brother is when he purchases a diary and begins to write his thoughts in it. This in itself, is a heroic trait. …show more content…
He knows from the very beginning the consequences his defiance holds. He is in risk of being tortured, murdered, and vaporized. He has witnessed it all before yet he still sticks to his plan of weakening Big Brother. The moment he opens the diary to write his thoughts down he knows he is in danger of getting caught and receiving the consequences from Big Brother. “The diary would be reduced to ashes and himself to vapour. Only the Thought Police would read what he had written, before they wiped it out of existence and out of memory.” He tells readers that his actions will be punished by death and yet he still continues to do it. He is willing to sacrifice his life for his cause. When the women for the Department of Fiction bumps into him and leaves him a note saying “I love you” he takes a risk trying to make contact with her again. Their first time alone they both take part in a sexual experience, which is only condoned by Big Brother for reproduction purposes, pleasure from the act is condemned. Although these action benefited himself, the action is still considered heroic because Winston is rebelling against Big Brother. He also faces the chance of being caught since the encounter took place outside. If he would have been caught they both could have been killed. When Winston is invited to O’Brien’s home he understands what the meeting would be about. Once he arrives he is asked a series of questions about joining the Brotherhood, a secret organization plotting to over throw Big Brother. Obrien asks “‘You are prepared to give your lives?’” He responds yes. This reveals how dedicated he is and how much he is willing to sacrifice.
Many of the traits Winston has coincide with that of a hero. He displays that he is willing to sacrifice his life while dedicating his life to that cause. Through his heroic efforts he strives for freedom for his fellow people regardless of his