Introduction
In his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell defines heroism as the undertaking by ordinary individuals to transform the social systems that do not respect human decency, even though they might know they cannot prosper. In the Oceania state where Winston Smith is a citizen, there are three different social classes: the proles (poor), the inner party (the rich), and the party (middle earners). To a great extent, the residents do not enjoy liberty and civil rights as they are segregated. Even though Smith acts as the protagonist by rebelling against the government’s principles, his deeds are questionable as he creates fear among people. In contrast to what heroes do in the community, Smith’s weaknesses outweigh his strengths as he is the source of pessimism. Being a loyal member and the clerk of the Ministry of Truth, he writes articles and amends historical documents to please the bosses, thus sabotaging the fundamental rights of citizens (Orwell, 1949). The paper will discuss how Smith is not the novel’s hero, and the readers should not emulate and admire him.
Discussion
One rationale why the readers should not consider Smith a hero they should emulate is because he delays instigating a revolution to bring healthy societal changes despite being aware of the atrocities perpetrated by government cartels. In the book, people are regarded as proles and do not exercise the same wealth as their leaders (Orwell, 1949). Totalitarianism creates a community of downtrodden residents experiencing extreme poverty, and the elites exert total control. For example, due to his indomitable loyalty to the rich class, Smith becomes a traitor by advocating inhumane actions choreographed to torture the poor. After he establishes that the federal authority is enslaving the masses, he only steals a dairy, a minor rebellious act. Smith does not develop a blueprint for his safety despite being aware that political intellectuals will expose him (Orwell, 1949). The consequence of his actions is that he lives in fear and is not courageous and confident enough, thus spearheading poor leadership. In reality, the heroes have friends and friends and practice situational management skills to command respect from the people and uplift their living standards.
Another reason Smith is not a hero, and people should not acclaim and imitate him, is his weak character of being afraid and inconsiderate. In a given society, heroes are considered fierce in decision-making and family-oriented and serve as role models in all aspects of life, including economic, social, and political viewpoints. By separating from his wife, Katherine, Smith is considered a poor marriage partner (Orwell, 1949). Instead of amending issues with his wife, he becomes too brainwashed by the inner party. For example, Smith initiates a friendship with Mr. Charrington, a junk-shop parole proprietor, and starts falling in love with Julia. In addition, Smith lacks the features of a hero as he hands a note to Julia with the wording ‘I love you’ rather than directly approaching him and expressing his feelings (Orwell, 1949). Since the Ministry of Truth forbids its members from having sexual relationships amongst themselves, he decides to meet her secretly. The repercussions of his undertakings are that he messes with his entire family due to his incapacitation to think critically.
Lastly, Winston Smith is not a hero, and individuals should not emulate and admire him as he is quick to surrender, indiscreet, and promotes the wealth of the ruling class. At first, Smith does not contemplate the intentions of O’Brien to initiate him to a secret organization (Brotherhood) dedicated to fighting the Big Brother party. His poor judgment skills make him associate with O’Brien, an intelligent spy who has been tracking him for seven years. A hero who people admire and emulate is wise and cautious and does not fall into traps. For example, Smith hands O’Brien a copy of The Book and his home address, believing he receives sympathy for resentment toward the party (Orwell, 1949). Smith is tortured and brainwashed in the Ministry of Love after the Thought Police apprehend him and continues to be a blabbermouth for fear of being jailed due to rebelling against the rule of law. Even though Smith believes every citizen has the right to freedom, he changes his decision after being arrested. The consequence of his action is that the rich class continues to flourish at the disadvantaged group’s expense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Winston Smith fails to fit the definition of heroism as his actions do not transition the social systems that disrespect human decency. Firstly, Smith is not a hero, and people should not admire and emulate him as he supports totalitarianism by advocating atrocities orchestrated by the government cartels to harm the proles. Secondly, he has a weak character of being afraid and inconsiderate of not acting as a societal role model. Smith separates from his wife, Katherine, and considers having a sexual relationship with Julia. Lastly, Smith is not a hero who community members should imitate and acclaim as he is indiscreet, quick to surrender, and facilitates the wealth of the societal elites.
Reference
Orwell., G. (1949). Nineteen eighty-four. Harcourt.