Winston Smith: The Anti-Hero in George Orwell's '1984'

In George Orewell's “1984”, Winston Smith, is a character who unwittingly ends up challenging those in power -- that is, those who abuse their power to brainwash the populace to believe that the ills of society have been eliminated. Ideally, in a heroic story, those who challenge the establishment should be wise, confident, brave, physically strong, with a type of charisma that inspires followers. The anti-hero, however, at best demonstrates a few underdeveloped traits, at worst, is totally inept. The story of the anti-hero usually unfolds something to the effect that the anti-hero initially conforms, ignorantly accepting the established views, a typical, unquestioning, brainwashed member of society. The anti-hero struggles to conform, all
One symbol that is used to reveal Winston’s character is the paperweight. The paperweight reveals that Winston has both a fascination and appreciation for the past that he pursues without regard for consequence. Although he knows what the outcome of his actions might be, Winston walked into an antique store, in the prole district, and purchased the paperweight from Mr. Carrington. Winston struggles to recover his own personal memories and create for himself a more accurate picture of what has happened to the world, knowing that if caught by the Thought Police, he could be faced with severe penalties. Winston thinks that only his mind is unreachable by the Party. This idea is supported when Orwell writes, “Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull.” (Orwell
At first, he is revolted by Julia and his initial act of sleeping with her was done, not out of sexual desire, but out of a desire to rebel against and weaken the government. In both, Winston's and Julia's opinion, doing something for just yourself is a powerful act of rebellion, and it was central in their purpose to revolt, as it went against the only reason for the party's existence, total control and absolute