Why I write - George Orwell

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Why I write - George Orwell 

           

Introduction 

          George Orwell's essay "Why I Write" was published in 1946.  The essay is a direct narrative about Orwell's early years and how he grew as a writer. He is having the hopes to write self-consciously literary works to becoming in the 1930s. He is  the creator of keen political criticism in both fiction and nonfiction. In this work he express his vision of world that shaped his experiences of war, poverty and political unrest.       

         Orwell begins by stating that he knew he wanted to be a writer from a very young age.  Despite his attempts to 'abandon' the concept in early adulthood, he believed it was his genuine calling and that he would eventually'settle down and create books'.He describes himself as a lonely youngster who would make up stories and interact with imaginary people, and he believes that his passion to write arises from this childhood loneliness. 

Understanding the Mind of a Writer
    George Orwell's essay "Why I Write" offers a fascinating look into the thoughts and motivations of a writer. In this piece, Orwell opens up about what drives him to write, giving us a peek into his creative journey.

Sheer Egoism :

          The first reason Orwell lists is egoism.  He says that most writers, including himself, are motivated by a sense of vanity. Writers want to be recognized and understood, and they want to leave a lasting impression on the world.  Orwell believed about a fundamental human desire for self-expression, which writers fulfill by their written word.  He does not consider this as a negative feature, but rather as a natural component of human nature.

Expressing Oneself
    For Orwell, writing is a way to express his innermost thoughts and ideas. It’s his means of connecting with others and making sense of the world around him. Through his words, he shares his emotions, opinions, and life experiences in a way that truly resonates with his readers.
Creating Something Beautiful
    Orwell also sees writing as an art form, a chance to create something beautiful. He believes that good writing should be well-crafted and enjoyable to read. With a sense of pride in his work, he strives to make each piece the best it can be. His meticulous attention to language and structure showcases his dedication to producing high-quality literature.

Aesthetic Enthusiasm :

          Orwell considers artistic excitement as a motivating force.  Writing is an art form, and writers, like all artists, enjoy the creative process.  Orwell adds pleasant about writing a good phrase or communicating a concept in a way that is attractive, clear, and concise.  This aesthetic experience encompasses language structure, word sound, and phrase rhythm.  Writers are typically inspired by their love of language and the desire to create something artistically fulfilling. Although his work is well-known for its clarity and directness, he regularly employs literary methods to enhance its meaning.  Orwell's writing theory revolves around achieving a balance between artistic enjoyment and clarity.

Recording History
    Another key motivation for Orwell is the desire to record history. He aims to document significant events and experiences so that future generations can learn from them. By capturing the past, Orwell helps us grasp its influence on our present and future.Historical Impulse :

          Historical Impulse  Orwell's third motivator is a historical impulse.  This refers to the desire to remember things as they are, to record events, facts, and situations for future generations.  Orwell emphasizes that many writers, including himself, are driven by the desire to protect the truth.  They write to document the world around them, to leave a record of what has happened so that future generations can understand it.  This impulse is particularly strong in Orwell, whose works frequently reflect his desire to capture the facts of the day. This shaped his personal experiences particularly his participation in Spanish Civil War and his observation of totalitarian regimes. He says no matter if the truth how uncomfortable or unpopular.

Political Purpose :

          Orwell's final, and arguably most essential, motive for writing is political purpose.  Orwell thought that all writing, whether intentional or unintentional, is fundamentally political.  He contends that a writer's political opinions, morals, and experiences invariably influence their writing.  Orwell's personal political opinions were molded by his experiences with imperialism, war, and poverty, and these themes are frequent in his works. Orwell argues that he wants to push the world in a specific direction and uses his writing to achieve so.  He believes literature has the ability to affect society and question the status quo.

           In "Why I Write", he reveals that his early works grew older and became political. His masterpieces, a famous work, Animal Farm and 1984 explains the political purpose. This work is about the powerful statement against totalitarianism. Orwell uses his words to sway public opinion and advocate for social justice. He firmly believes that writers have a duty to stand up against injustice and champion what is right. His writing serves as a powerful vehicle for social commentary and critique.

Conclusion
    "Why I Write" reveals that writing is a multifaceted process fueled by various motivations. Orwell's essay deepens our understanding of a writer's mind and highlights the vital role literature plays in shaping our perception of the world. Through his work, Orwell encourages us to think critically about our surroundings and our role within them.