Failure is a perception most people can identify with. It often refers to the inability to achieve a specific action or finish a certain duty. In the novel 1984, by George Orwell, an imaginary future is presented. It is governed by a group known as the Party, whose ruler and dictator is Big Brother. The protagonist of the novel, Winston Smith, dreams of defeating The Party and being able to live in a place without despair. He despises the social systems that govern the citizens of Oceania and rebels against them. His protests of defiance depict Winston as a hero. However he inevitably experiences being tormented and brainwashed by the totalitarianism that occurs there. Winston Smith is a hero without heroic qualities. He does not possess what Orwell once offered as the definition of heroism: 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. Winston was a valiant man who revolted against the …show more content…
He is basically the main character of the novel, from whose perspective the dreadful society and events are shown. He demonstrated that his ethics were in the right place and indicated valor by revolting, however he surrendered. By surrendering he was unable to communicate a message of hope to other individuals. Rather he communicated something specific of gloom which causes Winston to not fit in Orwell's description of a hero; he does not do all he can to change the social system. George Orwell's characterization of Winston's collapse is exemplified further through the dangers of a totalitarian society. This novel acts as a social commentary on this society's mistreatment of others. Winston's failure is the only way that readers could obtain the warning of the perils involved in a totalitarian society, one where heroism is