Models of Rebellion in 1984 and V for Vendetta Joseph Latorcai 12th Grade

Problems faced by characters in literature often repeat themselves, and when these characters decide to solve these standard problems, their actions are often more similar than they first appear. This idea is evident when comparing the actions taken by Winston Smith in George Orwell’s novel 1984 and V in James McTeigue’s film adaptation of V for Vendetta. On the surface, their actions are very different. Smith takes a mental, passive approach to his problem, while V takes a physical, direct approach. However, when you look at what the two men did in relation to the societies in which they lived, their actions are revealed as very similar. Both men are patient, tactical, and willing to push themselves just past the limit to the point of self-destruction. They do whatever they can to rebel in the circumstances they are given. Therefore, the contrasting actions taken by the two anti-heroes are not results of their different personalities, but are due to the subtle dissimilarities between the totalitarian oligarchies against which they are rebelling.

The governing body in 1984, the Party, does a better job of restraining the general population than Norsefire, the ruling political party, does in V for Vendetta. With the help of the...