Essay On 1984 Heroism

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Did George Orwell actually portray Winston Smith as a hero in the critically acclaimed novel 1984? According to the Merriam Webster-Dictionary heroism is defined as “heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a higher purpose or attaining a noble end.” Acts of heroism are performed all over the world by various individuals in all walks of life. Today, acts of heroism are constantly announced on the news, internet, and by word of mouth. Examples of heroism are displayed in ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of bravery in order to rescue an injured victim during a car accident; while other acts of heroism may include men who risk their lives in order to rescue a victim from a car accident just before the victim’s car explodes. …show more content…

The reader is able to witness the first signs of disloyalty when Winston abandons his mother and sister after stealing their chocolate. In Winston’s dreams of his mother Orwell writes, “His mother’s memory tore at his heart because she had died loving him, when he was too young and selfish to love her in return, and because somehow, he did not remember how she had sacrificed herself to a conception of loyalty that was private and unalterable (pg. 30).” Winston agrees to divorce his wife after he finds out she can no longer bear children; consequently, he has an affair with a woman named Julia and shares with her his thoughts of having a strong desire to throw his wife off a cliff for the sake of oppression. Marriage is a commitment of loyalty which should be threaded throughout a marriage in all circumstances. He also shows serious signs of disloyalty toward Julia after they are interrogated by the government. Winston says the government official, O’Brian, to torture Julia with the caged rats instead of him. Winston replies, “Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I don’t care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me! (pg. 286).” The government official, O’Brian, decides not to torture him with the caged