Introduction
George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, first published in 1949, presents a chilling vision of a totalitarian society under the oppressive rule of the Party and its enigmatic leader, Big Brother. Within this bleak landscape, Winston Smith emerges as the central character, a man who dares to question the Party’s authority and seeks personal freedom in a world of surveillance and control. This essay explores whether Winston can be considered a heroic figure, examining his defiance, inner struggle, and ultimate fate. By analysing his actions and motivations, alongside critical perspectives on heroism, this piece argues that Winston embodies a tragic form of heroism, limited by the overwhelming power of the regime but significant in his resistance.
Winston’s Defiance as an Act of Heroism
Winston’s initial act of rebellion—writing in a forbidden diary—marks the beginning of his journey as a potential hero. In a society where independent thought is criminalised as “thoughtcrime,” his decision to document his dissent is a dangerous assertion of individuality. As Orwell writes, Winston’s act of writing becomes a “decisive act” of rebellion against the Party’s erasure of personal history (Orwell, 1949, p. 9). This aligns with traditional notions of heroism, where courage is demonstrated through resistance against oppressive forces. Furthermore, Winston’s illicit relationship with Julia represents another layer of defiance, as their love becomes a personal rejection of the Party’s control over human emotion and intimacy. These actions, though small in scope, reflect a bravery that challenges the dehumanising structures of Oceania.
However, Winston’s heroism is arguably limited by its lack of broader impact. Unlike conventional heroes who effect tangible change, Winston’s rebellion remains largely symbolic and personal. Critics such as Howe (1983) suggest that his defiance, though courageous, lacks the transformative power associated with traditional heroic narratives, rendering him a hero of thought rather than action.
The Inner Struggle and Moral Courage
Beyond physical acts of rebellion, Winston’s internal conflict showcases a deeper, moral form of heroism. His persistent questioning of the Party’s doctrines, even under the threat of annihilation, demonstrates intellectual bravery. For instance, his refusal to accept the Party’s distortion of reality—epitomised by the equation “2 + 2 = 5”—highlights his commitment to truth, a quality often associated with heroic integrity (Orwell, 1949, p. 84). This mental resistance, though invisible to others, underscores Winston’s determination to preserve his humanity.
Yet, this moral courage is not without flaws. Winston harbours darker impulses, such as his willingness to betray others during moments of desperation, which complicates his heroic status. As Bloom (2007) notes, Winston’s internal contradictions reflect the human cost of resistance under extreme oppression, positioning him as a flawed, relatable hero rather than an idealised figure.
The Tragic Dimension of Winston’s Heroism
Ultimately, Winston’s journey concludes in tragedy, as he is betrayed, tortured, and brainwashed in the Ministry of Love. His final capitulation—loving Big Brother—appears to negate his earlier heroism (Orwell, 1949, p. 297). However, this tragic end does not entirely diminish his heroic status. Instead, it highlights the insurmountable power of the Party and the limits of individual resistance. Scholars like Resch (1997) argue that Winston’s failure amplifies the novel’s warning about totalitarianism, making his struggle, though futile, profoundly significant. Indeed, his initial defiance and suffering serve as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to resist, even in the face of inevitable defeat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Winston Smith can be regarded as a heroic figure in 1984, albeit one whose heroism is tragic and constrained by circumstance. His acts of defiance, intellectual courage, and ultimate sacrifice—though they fail to dismantle the Party’s power—embody a profound resistance to dehumanisation. While critics may debate the effectiveness of his rebellion, Winston’s struggle offers a poignant critique of oppressive systems and underscores the value of individual thought. This analysis suggests that heroism in Orwell’s world lies not in victory, but in the mere act of resistance, however futile. Such a perspective invites further reflection on the nature of courage and the human cost of challenging authoritarianism.
References
- Bloom, H. (2007) George Orwell’s 1984. Chelsea House Publishers.
- Howe, I. (1983) Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four: Text, Sources, Criticism. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
- Orwell, G. (1949) Nineteen Eighty-Four. Secker & Warburg.
- Resch, R. P. (1997) Utopia, Dystopia, and the Middle Class in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four. Boundary 2, 24(1), pp. 137-176.
