“There Goes my Hero” A Study of Winston Smith as a Tragic Hero in Orwell’s 1984

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To determine the status of someone as a hero, it is first necessary to define a hero. For the purposes of this essay, a hero will be defined as someone who sets out to do something that impacts the world for the greater good of mankind. Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a man of an elevated social stature who falls from his position through the effect of a tragic flaw or hamartia. Consequently, we will alter Aristotle’s definition for the purposes of our discussion. Therefore, we will define a tragic hero as someone who sets out to do something that impacts the world for the greater good of mankind and fails due to his own hamartia. Winston Smith certainly falls into this mold. What must first be established is the fact that Winston does set out to do something for the good of humanity. Winston’s rebellion against the Party does not stem from anything ignorant, immoral, or egocentric. It can not be argued that Winston misunderstands the Party and is therefore led to false conclusion of their motives. In fact, Orwell clearly states that Winston’s job requires him to be very knowledgeable about the Party. Winston’s particular job left a Party member with “nothing to guide [him] except [his] knowledge of the principles of Ingsoc. Winston was good at this kind of thing” (43) Similarly, Winston’s rebellion does not stem from a place of immorality. Orwell says as much when he comments that their affair was not an act of lust. Instead, he points out, “It was a Political Act” (126). This is a stark contrast to Julia who is, as Winston puts it, “only a rebel from the waist down” (156). Finally, Winston’s rebellion is not a selfish act. When conversing with Julia about their relationship, Winston states that his hatred ... ... middle of paper ... ...infant at that fateful moment. He has no choice. Orwell clearly had a precise understanding of human nature. Through this understanding he was able to create a world where Winston could not possibly succeed. Winston is truly an Aristotelian Tragic Hero. However, within the realm of tragic heroes there are those that deserve more fault and those that merit less fault. Winston truly falls at the more honorable end of the spectrum. Without a perfectly created system around him, he would have succeeded. It is only his human nature that restrains him. It is only what lies within all of mankind that leads to his ultimate failure. In Winston, Orwell does not show a character to be scorned and reviled because of his faults. Winston is an example of what mankind is capable of being reduced to in the right conditions. He is a warning to be pitied and commiserated.

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