To What Extent Is Winston A Hero In 1984 By George Orwell

Oxford Languages describes a hero as “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” However, this definition is not true of Winston Smith, the principal protagonist of George Orwell’s novel, 1984. In this novel, Oceania is Orwell’s imagined dystopian society that predicts and warns of a future authoritarian government. Winston Smith is an unorthodox rebel citizen of Oceania who exhibits the qualities of an unscrupulous antihero as the novel progresses. An unscrupulous antihero is a protagonist whose self-interest and cynicism dictate their actions (Masterclass 1). Although it is possible to view Winston as an everyman hero for his lack of heroic qualities, the absence of selflessness in his

Winston has many undistinguished characteristics that are relatable to the ordinary reader. He lacks any apparent heroic qualities and holds a mundane occupation as an Outer Party member. Orwell describes Winston as, “a smallish, frail figure [...] His hair was very fair, his face naturally sanguine, his skin roughened by coarse soap and blunt razor blades…” (Orwell 2). Even in his looks, Winston is Orwell’s depiction of an ordinary person. Winston possesses no great talents and is mediocre in every aspect of his life. His unremarkable normality makes him an easy character for readers to relate to. However, the MasterClass article states, “Though lacking inherent heroic qualities, everyman character types often have a strong moral compass and act with extreme selflessness” (Masterclass 1). Winston does not have either a strong moral compass or extreme selflessness. He displays his corrupt morals and selfish intentions on numerous occasions throughout the progression of the novel. Therefore, Winston’s categorization as an everyman hero is impossible, as he lacks the fundamental qualities of selflessness and a strong moral