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Summary of George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”
Table of Contents
Book Annotation
In Politics and the English Language, George Orwell depicts the state of the English language during and shortly before 1945. The author reveals the debasement of the language and the role politics played in making the language ‘ugly and inaccurate’. Orwell argues that modern English (at the time) depicted slovenliness. He blamed thoughts that continued to develop among people as bad habits spread in the modern English for the concern.
The book, Politics and the English Language, connects the development of the bad habits to imitation, which can be avoided by taking the necessary ‘trouble’ and through political regeneration. It asserts that ridding the language of bad habits, especially in politics, would make people think clearly and accurately.
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Book Summary
Politics and the English Language addresses several issues of concern in the use of the English language. It states that the misuse of metaphors and pretentious diction to avoid the invention of phrases and the trouble of mastery and development of the language complicates the language for no use. Orwell says that such use of the language in politics and other spheres is intended to hide the truth and conceal thoughts through vagueness. He discourages vagueness in the use of English and instead calls for clarity, accuracy, individuality and concreteness. Insincerity and the meaningless use of English words encourage biased and impartial judgment.
Conclusion
In Politics and the English Language, Orwell offers certain rules whose application would enhance the status of the English language. The essay advises against the use of metaphors, similes and other figures of speech commonly used in print. Additionally, the article asserts that the use of long, meaningless, complex or foreign words where shorter, simpler and meaningful everyday English words are applicable is unnecessary. It also discourages the use of passive language and encourages writers always to cut out unnecessary words. Simplicity is key in redeeming the language as the writer says, “If you simplify your English, you are freed from the worst follies of orthodoxy”.
Works Cited
Orwell, George. “Politics and the English Language,” 1946. n.d. 7 October 2015 <https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.htm>.
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