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Is Winston A Hero In 1984

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What is a hero? Is it someone who flies around the sky searching for evil? Someone who is considered morally good? Or is it subjective to the idea of your own mind? In the 1984 novel by author George Orwell, this question is answered between the lines of an oppressed society. The struggle for individual freedom, thought, and expression in the place in which they live, showcases the cause and effect of oppression on human behavior, and the answer to good morality versus the surrender of mental clarity. By the definition of George Orwell, Winston is perceived as a hero. He matches the definition of his drive for change to his secretive actions. But how far does that definition stretch, does having an affair and joining an opposing party still …show more content…

Keeping a diary is known and perceived as an act of defiance. This resonated with Orwell's definition of a hero due to the act of rebellion and fighting. His want for change within the limited self-expression the Party forced upon the citizens goes against the societal norms that do not respect human decency. To showcase this, in the novel Winston states, “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follows.” This quote represents his belief in the power of individual thought and expression, which is why he decided to keep a diary. The secret diary not only showed his thoughts and feelings throughout his struggle for freedom, but many other events happening as well. In the rut of his job, the appearance of his colleague Julia was introduced. Through the glances across the Ministry of Truth, leading up to a note being slipped into Winston's hand, a romantic relationship grew between the two. The note that was slipped into Winston's hand wrote, “I love you.” This was a turning point for the two as her risky and bold gesture soon sparked a love affair between them. Relationships were discouraged because of the party’s need to control every aspect of their

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