#183, Orwell
“If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.”
-George Orwell
George Orwell is one of the most celebrated writers of the 21st century. His writing appeals to readers of all ages—a rare trait for such a literary giant. The barrier to entry for his works is merely a desire for a good story. Yet, his books contain great depth that require more than a surface reading to uncover. Animal Farm is a story about an arrogant boar and a drunk farmer. Beneath its simple veneer, it is also a commentary on Soviet communism and two of its most prominent figures: Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. Stories don’t need to be overly complex nor academic to be considered great. Mr. Orwell’s works are proof positive.
In his 1946 essay, Politics and the English Language, Mr. Orwell provides five tips for effective writing.
Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
Never use a long word where a short one will do.If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
Never use the passive where you can use the active.
Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.
This week’s Journal task is a creative writing response. Let Mr. Orwell’s tips guide your prose. To complete this Journal response,
Choose one of the three writing prompts below and write a story based upon it.
You are a powerful dragon that lived next to a small kingdom. For centuries you ignored humanity and lived alone in a cave, and the humans also avoided you. As the kingdom fell to invaders, a dying soldier approaches you with the infant princess, begging you to take care of her.
Your entire life, you have been told that you are deathly allergic to bees. You've always had people protecting you from them, be it your mother or a friend. Today, one slips through and lands on your shoulder. You hear a tiny voice say, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
It's 3 AM. An official phone alert wakes you up. It says "DO NOT LOOK AT THE MOON". You have hundreds of notifications. Hundreds of random numbers are sending "It's a beautiful night tonight. Look outside."
Comment on a peer's response.
-Brenden Lee Teacher