Winston as a "critical thinker"- any thoughts?

[rosygtorres]

Critical thinking is defined as observing, seeing only what is present, questioning what you think you see, and noticing what is not there. How, if at all, does Winston show to be a critical thinker throughout the book?

[The Atheist]

Critical thinking is defined as observing, seeing only what is present, questioning what you think you see, and noticing what is not there. How, if at all, does Winston show to be a critical thinker throughout the book?

Interesting concept, but not one I agree with too much.

The main part of critical thinking is analysis and Winston never quite reaches the inescapable conclusion that he can't beat the system. He only processes part of the facts, seeing things which cannot happen - the proles revolting, the Brotherhood existing, that he can make a difference in any way at all.

I think you could make a case that he tries to think critically, but fails miserably. In the context of Oceania, critical thinking is a thoughtcrime. Winston realises this, but never quite makes the next jump.