George Orwell 1984 Heroism Analysis

George Orwell’s definition of heroism may differ from what most believe heroism is. He believes that it is 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. According to the dictionary, a hero has distinguished courage or ability. Winston is perhaps a hero to Orwell, but, he did not have the courage of a hero. Orwell’s character shows the traits of a hero with rebelling, although he did it in secrecy. But, by the end of the novel, Orwell leaves Winston as a helpless human which can also be viewed as the everyday man that Orwell is talking about.
In Oceania people aren’t allowed free will, they are all controlled by the party, brainwashed, and stripped of their humanity. There are no heroes allowed in this dictatorship of a country. “War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength” (Orwell p.16) this theme continues throughout the book as the party controls every aspect of life. The country of Oceania is in an unending war with what Winston believes is Eurasia, as he looks back he is unsure how long it has been going on. Of course the party won’t let out exact details because ignorance is strength, and they wouldn’t want the people knowing that much. Even a lie can become the truth
Winston’s rebellion first takes place on more of an intellectual level, including reading and thought crime, unlike Julia’s who takes rebellion on more of a physical level. They both choose to think for themselves in pursuing an intimate relationship together. Winston not only ignored The Party’s teachings of how love was wrong, but, they ignored the possible consequences of doing such crimes. Even when he rents the room in Charrington to share with Julia he realizes all of the trouble he can get into, but, he is so wrapped in lust it blinds