39 pages • 1 hour read
George OrwellWhy I Write
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1946A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Index of Terms
Aesthetics
As discussed in “Why I Write,” aesthetics of art and aesthetics theory centers around the emotional effects a piece of writing (or art) displays. Orwell claimed that, as a writer, he was more drawn to aesthetical elements such as alliteration, phonetics, and lyrical prose. In order to reconcile this desire for aesthetics with his perceived political purpose as a writer, Orwell’s aimed to use direct and clear language to convey his ideas while still using aesthetic elements such as new metaphors and original phrases. However much he enjoyed aesthetics, Orwell claimed that his political purpose as a writer came first. He was willing to sacrifice the aesthetic beauty of a piece of writing to argue for a specific political end.
Blimps and the Intelligentsia
Orwell used these terms to designate two ideologically opposing classes in English society. The Blimps, as Orwell defined them, were the latent military and imperial administrators that upheld tradition and acted upon patriotism and willful ignorance. In contrast, the intelligentsia were generally young, educated, and internationally minded academics prone to debase English society and who held little faith in the English government or its people. Orwell examined both the Blimps and the Intelligentsia for their role in perpetuating the wartime failures of the English Conservative government.
Fascism
Fascist and totalitarian government served as the main ideological antagonists of Orwell’s essay collection. Orwell heavily criticized fascism and its requirement for undemocratic blind obedience, as well as its ability to appeal to individuals who feel too distanced from politics by class and economics to make their voices heard. Fascism as a social and political function, as well as its capitalistic supporters, must be destroyed as swiftly as possible.
Socialism
Orwell believed in socialism, and socialist beliefs characterize his writing. Orwell wanted the English language to be clear and accessible to all. He critiqued capitalism and wanted to establish State-controlled production in England to defeat the totalitarian governments of Europe. socialism reflected his belief in the protection of a State without the loss of individual agency.
Related Titles
By George Orwell
