John the Savage vs. Winston Smith
What's the Difference?
John the Savage and Winston Smith are both protagonists in dystopian novels, but they come from very different worlds. John, from Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," is a man raised in a primitive society who struggles to adapt to the highly technological and hedonistic world of the World State. In contrast, Winston, from George Orwell's "1984," is a man living in a totalitarian society who rebels against the oppressive government. While both characters ultimately challenge the societies they live in, John's rebellion is more personal and philosophical, while Winston's is more political and revolutionary. Despite their differences, both characters ultimately face tragic fates as they confront the harsh realities of their respective worlds.
Comparison
| Attribute | John the Savage | Winston Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Comes from a primitive society | Comes from a dystopian society |
| Rebellion | Rebels against the World State | Rebels against the Party |
| Intellectualism | Values literature and philosophy | Works in a job that distorts history |
| Love | Falls in love with Lenina | Falls in love with Julia |
Further Detail
Background
John the Savage is a character from Aldous Huxley's novel "Brave New World," while Winston Smith is the protagonist of George Orwell's "1984." Both characters exist in dystopian societies that control every aspect of their lives, but they react to their circumstances in different ways.
Rebellion
John the Savage rebels against the hedonistic society of "Brave New World" by rejecting its values and seeking a more meaningful existence. He longs for authentic human experiences and emotions, which are lacking in the superficial world around him. In contrast, Winston Smith rebels against the oppressive regime of "1984" by engaging in acts of defiance against Big Brother and the Party. He seeks to overthrow the government and restore freedom to society.
Relationships
John the Savage forms a deep connection with Lenina Crowne, a woman from the World State who is fascinated by his outsider status. Their relationship is complicated by their differing views on love and intimacy, as John believes in monogamous relationships while Lenina embraces promiscuity. Winston Smith, on the other hand, forms a forbidden relationship with Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his desire to rebel against the regime. Their love is a source of strength and comfort in a world devoid of personal connections.
Intellectualism
John the Savage is a deeply philosophical character who questions the values of the World State and seeks to understand the meaning of life. He is well-read and thoughtful, often quoting Shakespeare and other literary figures to express his ideas. Winston Smith, on the other hand, is more practical in his rebellion, focusing on the physical acts of resistance rather than engaging in intellectual debates. He is skeptical of the Party's propaganda but does not delve into deeper philosophical questions.
Endings
John the Savage meets a tragic end in "Brave New World," unable to reconcile his beliefs with the reality of the World State. He ultimately chooses to escape the society that he despises, only to be consumed by his own inner turmoil. Winston Smith, on the other hand, meets a more ambiguous fate in "1984." After being tortured and brainwashed by the Party, he betrays Julia and comes to love Big Brother. His spirit is broken, but the novel ends with a glimmer of hope for the future.
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