To What Extent Is 1984 Winston Smith A Hero

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1984: Is Winston Smith A Hero? Winston Smith, the main protagonist in George Orwell's dystopian novel, "1984". This novel tells a story of a controlled society with no freedom. There is no freedom of choice, thought, speech, or even happiness. This fictional setting is where the antagonist is winning. Winston Smith, knows that the totalitarian government, Big Brother, has no privacy policies. Tele-screens are placed everywhere and his every move is watched. This totalitarian government takes full control over a person, without them thinking for themselves. Winston Smith begins to disobey the government rather than fighting against it. Disobey won’t change the social system of Oceania but it could get one executed which …show more content…

“War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.” Winston begins a diary – punishable by death. He writes down his thoughts about his job, life, the tyrannical government, and expressing anything in anyway illegal in Oceania. A crime which Winston is fully aware of committing, he wrote, "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER." (1:1:36) Winston, knowing the consequences, he continued on, "It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage." (1:2:37) He then wrote to an audience hoping his thoughts would be passed on someday, “To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free…from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink-greetings!” …show more content…

He contacted O’Brien, a supposed opponent of Big Brother. In Oceania, writing one’s though against Big Brother is mere disobedience, making love with an unofficial partner is taboo and lustful selfishness, none of it being a true rebellious nature. When the moment Winston spent with O’Brien were tangible steps for Winston as it marked the beginning of actual legitimately rebellious act against Big Brother. But to Winston own demise, O’Brien true nature is shown being an ally of Big Brother, it wasn’t known until Winston and Julia were