Journal 8

George Orwell, author of 1984,  introduces the protagonist in the blossom of his mental puberty. Winston Smith is a 39 years old, he looks and acts sore. The protagonist is a hero with a big question mark. Hero - is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Winston lacks all of those features. However, he is worthy of admiration.

First of all, Smith contends against norms which doesn’t suit him. Keeping diary, having a love affair & thinking against the government - Winston did all of those actions. He managed to take action taking into consideration the danger of death penalty and tortures of room 101. That is the actions of true outlier - effort against fears. 

Secondly, unlike his comrades Winston differs with the ability of analyzing, thinking and questioning. He constantly asks the questions about the harshness of the system. Hero mentally and physically struggles, but keeps searching for an exit in this system and finds it in love to Julia. Winston’s thinking abilities are features which make him hero.

Last but not the least, Winston searches for a hope & loves. Airstrip one is dismal and depressing features: the gray walls give gloomy background, omnipresent Big Brother has a supervision of every move and, God forbid, if there is slight trace of inadvertent left thought - citizen is ought to be punished. However, protagonist as a true hero finds optimism in love to Julia.

In macabre, meaningless and merciless struggle of a person against system, first is doomed to lose. Winston Smith is a hero to be admired to have a qualities which ought not to exist in tortured and depressed society.