"The best books... are those that tell you what you already know."
-George Orwell
Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his penname 'George Orwell', was an influential British writer and journalist. He was born on June 25th, 1903 in Motihari, India and died from tuberculosis on January 21st, 1950 in the University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom. He was a police in the British Imperial Police in Burma and fought in the Spanish Civil war as a member of a leftist militia. Though he was born in India, at one years old he move to England with his mother and sister. There he attended several private schools in his early years. He often had mixed feelings about school. While he loved gaining knowledge he couldn't bear the harshness and inequality.
Inspiration for Writing
From a young age George Orwell deeply enjoyed expressing his thought, feelings and observations through pen and paper. It was his way of exposing the truths hidden from the people and the abused of power by the government. He strived to communicate ideas in a straightforward and accessible manner, rejecting the use of pretentious language or political propaganda. Even if it meant confronting the uncomfortable realities, he always strive to write the truth in the most simple and clearest of ways. Considered about the backlash his writings would have he took on the penname George Orwell to protect his family in the year 1933. The first name, George, was derived from England's patron saint, St. George. The last name, Orwell, was inspired by the River Orwell in Suffolk, England, where he spent time and found solace in nature.
His First Book Published
His first book was called, "Down and Out in Paris and London." It was published in 1933 and is a semi-autobiographical work based on his experiences of living among the impoverished and destitute in both Paris and London. Orwell recounts his time of poverty as a dishwasher in the kitchens of Parisian hotels and restaurants and his later experiences as a tramp in London. One can but themself into his shoes by the vivid descriptions of the harsh living and having to deal with social class and inequality.
Nineteen Eighty-Four
His most famous book is, "Nineteen Eighty-four", which he wrote upon his deathbed. This dystopian classic follows the story of the protagonist Winston Smith. It is set in the year 1984 in Airstrip One, a province of the totalitarian superstate known as Oceania. Winston works for the Party, which is led by 'Big Brother'. This Party exercised complete control over every aspect of people's lives, including their thoughts and actions. His eyes become open to the oppressive regime of the party and he begins to rebel.
Unknown to them he buys a diary and writes his thoughts, his displeasure with the Party, and his wish for freedom. He falls in love with a woman named Julia and the two engage in a love affair which is forbidden by the Party. As Winston's rebellious thoughts and actions escalate, he becomes involved with a group called the Brotherhood, whose objective is to overthrow the Party. He seeks guidance from a mysterious figure named O'Brien, whom he believes to be a member of the Brotherhood. However, O'Brien is an agent of the Party. He manipulates poor Winston and eventually betrays him.
Winston and Julia are arrested by the Thought Police, and their relationship and loyalty to each other are tested under intense interrogation and torture. Winston is subjected to psychological manipulation and forced to betray his beliefs and love for Julia. The party eventually breaks him in the end and makes him embrace the teachings of the Party fully. The story is concluded with Winston coming to love Big Brother and losing all sense of individuality and independent thought.
This novel paints a vivid picture of the themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, psychological manipulation, the power of language, and the consequences of eroding individual freedom and what happens when the truth is distorted, taken, and hidden from society.
Honorary Mentions
Other good reads of his are: "Burmese Days"(1934), "A Clergyman's Daughter"(1935), "Keep the Aspidistra Flying"(1936), "Coming Up For Air"(1939), "The Road to Wigan Pier"(1936), and "Homage to Catalonia"(1938).
Orwell's Writing Style
George Orwell's style of writing can only be described as clear, simple and direct. He believed in the power of plain language to convey his ideas and connect with his readers. He rejected ornate and flowery prose, instead favoring straightforward and accessible writing that could be easily understood by a wide audience. This probably stems from his desire to convey the truth. Orwell has often painted vivid pictures for his readers through his excellent descriptions.
He also uses allegory and symbolism in his writings. He often employed these literary devices to convey deeper meanings and social critiques. For example, in "Animal Farm," Orwell uses animals on a farm to represent different political figures and social classes, offering a scathing critique of totalitarianism and the corruption of power.
From this author we learn the importance of truth and clarity to be wary of political figures and to always stand up and fight for our freedom and individuality if there is need be.
Commentaires