#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, address the following:
Choose one of the three writing prompts below and write a story based upon it.
You lost your sight—along with everyone else on Earth—in The Great Blinding. Two years later, without warning, your sight returns. As you look around, you realize that every available wall, floor and surface has been painted with the same message—Don't Tell Them You Can See.
When you die, you appear in a cinema with a number of other people who look like you. You find out that they are your previous reincarnations, and soon you all begin watching your next life on the big screen.
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