Syme From 1984 vs. Duncan From Macbeth Essay Example

Monsters, magic, mayhem, an infinite ocean to fear, yet the thought of change dominates millions. People grow to be different, their qualities are shaped by the influence of the environment. Certain characteristics are of great moral value, and others are deemed as pernicious traits to steer clear of. The characters studied this year were doomed due to their personal attributes. Syme was a role model party member, the perfect ideal citizen Big Brother wanted, but his nature was also fateful. King Duncan’s compassion also only caused his foreseeable betrayal and demise. The texts read this year are filled with characters that are inevitably destined for their paths. However, such a story creates a complex and wrenching tale, enticing readers to ride on character development. The heedless hunger for their desires cripples these characters, granting no mercy to reverse their eventual fate. 

A society controlled and manipulated by the all mighty Big Brother. Forced to live as the zealous, loyal, and perfectly mannered citizen constantly. Syme was an example of this model member of the party. “In an intellectual way, Syme was venomously orthodox. He would talk with a disagreeable gloating satisfaction of helicopter raids on enemy villages, and trials and confessions of thought-criminals, the executions in the cellars of the Ministry of Love … Winston turned his head a little aside to avoid the scrutiny of the large dark eyes.” (Orwell, 27-28). However, a theoretical above average party member is feared. Syme’s intelligence and fervor towards Big Brother’s beliefs are threatening as understanding the control methods used, could ruin the Party. For instance, Syme worked on Newspeak dictionaries that limited free speech, but he was too eager. Intellect is important, but to a certain extent as oblivious workers are necessary to Big Brother’s power. “Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.” (Orwell, 30). In an ordinary world, such devotion is to be admired, however, Syme’s attributes are his downfall. He grasped the motive behind Big Brother’s works. Newspeak to limit free thought, constant war to maintain peace, and even torture of traitors commited crime. “But the process will still be continuing long after you and I are dead. Every year fewer and fewer words, and the range of consciousness always a little smaller. Even now, of course, there’s no reason or excuse for committing thoughtcrime. It’s merely a question of self-discipline, reality-control. But in the end there won’t be any need even for that. The Revolution will be complete when the language is perfect.” (Orwell, 30). This deep comprehension and obsession poses a hazard to Big Brother, his system places party members to never discern their actions in order to maintain jurisdiction. However, someone like Syme could foil every propaganda ploy and topple the Party’s authority. Furthermore, brilliance is not a threat worth vaporization, but Syme’s crave for more insight. A philomath, he wanted to know more about everything Big Brother did. In a matter of time, with hunger and passion for knowledge, Syme would unearth the truth of the Party’s system. He had already recognized and devoted his time into the purpose behind Big Brother’s Newspeak propaganda. Syme is unable to change, as wit is in his nature. A fiercely loyal member to Big Brother, it is instinctive to learn about his great works. After cracking the objective of Newspeak, Syme became entirely invested and is intensely passionate about his work on writing the final edition. Revelation of such control only leaves him more humanly curious, to desire exploring more. Syme could also not simply extinguish his fiery brilliance and drive, his intelligence makes him an exceptional worker. Suddenly failing to perform adequately at work would raise suspicion as well. The Party will always be imperiled by intellect as their power is in control and manipulation of citizens to never discover the truth.  Ultimately, all types of people are inevitably abolished. A loyal but foolish person like Parsons, an average ordinary person like Winston, and great minded people like Syme, all three classes of men were vaporized. At least, Syme was able to live enjoying his passion for knowledge and understanding the intricate actions of the almighty Big Brother. In a world so corrupt, normally inspiring characteristics are turned bitter, acting as the harbinger of demise.

Duncan, the king of Scotland and victim to Macbeth’s first truly corrupted act. The gentle, generous, genial leader who was respected and put the other’s needs before his own. “Besides, this Duncan hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office, that his virtues will plead like angels trumpet-tongued against the deep damnation of his taking-off.” (1.7.16-20). Before Macbeth could even lead his path of malevolent evil, he first was plagued with regicide. Duncan was too pure of a man that even Macbeth, who readers know a monster, struggles to commit harm to his king. However, such admirable traits became the king’s downfall. With such a big heart, Duncan was overly trusting and naive to the possibility of his subjects turning against him. Not blinking an eye at Macbeth after the witche’s prophecy and his potential ambitious dreams. “There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face: he was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” (1.4.13-16). Duncan explains that he cannot tell between people’s true intentions and their faces. His faith in the former Thane of Cawdor led to betrayal. The king should have realized treason is entirely feasible and this treachery also foreshadows Macbeth’s regicide as he is newly granted the title. Macbeth’s first taste of power was at this point, becoming the first stepping stone towards corruption. It is important to carry both a kind heart and strong will as a leader. King Duncan only ever showcased his sensitivity that was perceived a sign of weakness, leaving himself an easy target “My plenteous joys, wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves in drops of sorrow.” (1.4.39-41). During the time of Macbeth, a man who weeps is a telltale sign of shameful frailty, this only further reinforced any contemplating acts of treachery. King Duncan is the epitome of a perfect ruler,  even with such generosity of ensuring others like Macbeth a fortunate future, he was doomed. Changing to become a bruteful tyrant would only lead to a quicker death. Duncan’s subjects would have betrayed and planned a regicide much sooner without hesitation. The King has no impact on his fate, except the legacy he left behind. Tragically, an exceptional leader was lost the day Macbeth gained his thirst for power. 

Fate, described as something beyond a person’s control, determined by a supernatural force. Some believe that a human can have power in such magic, that change could be the determining factor to altering realities. Although, with optimism, it is believable that the future can change, such is not the case for the characters studied this year. Syme was too intelligent for his own good, knowledge is seen as a threat to Big Brother’s control. However, he is doomed either way in the society run by the Party as abolishment is inevitable. King Duncan shares the future, an all respected kind soul of a leader but these admirable traits were his downfall. His sensitivity was exploited and Macbeth betrayed the king, Duncan had no idea what was coming. Aspiring qualities depraved to nothing more than character pitfalls. Leaving exceptional characters to tragedy in their cruel worlds left with impending dissolution.