politics and english language by george orwell summary

The writer has a private definition, but allows the reader to think he means something different. Words of this kind are often used in an intentional, dishonest way - I.e. Meaningless words ⇒ In certain types of writing (e.g.

Pretentious diction ⇒ It is often easier to make up words or use Latin or Greek words than to identify the English words that will cover one's meaning. Instead of using simple verbs and nouns, the writer unnecessarily adds extra syllables and words to each sentence. Operators or verbal false limbs ⇒ This is another example of laziness. BUT ⇒ Between these new and dead metaphors, there is a huge dump of “dying” metaphors which are lazy and often misused. A newly invented metaphor assists thought by evoking a visual image and a “dead” metaphor has reverted to being an ordinary word with known meaning.

Bad writers use:ĭying metaphors ⇒ The sole aim of a metaphor is to produce a visual image. Here are some common mistakes of bad writers. Inadvertently say something they don’t mean, orĭon’t care whether their words mean anything or not The English language is full of bad habits. how do you justify the dropping of an atomic bomb on Japan). Political speech and writing is largely the defence of the indefensible ⇒ so political language has to consist largely of “euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness” ⇒ (e.g. When watching politicians speak, you feel you’re not watching a live human being but some kind of dummy ⇒ (Note: this makes sense because it favors political conformity) Where it is not true, it will generally be found that the writer is some kind of rebel, expressing his private opinions and not a ‘party line’.” Orwell: “It is broadly true that political writing is bad writing. Orwell rants on how politicians (and anyone engaging in politics) intentionally insert meaninglessness into language with the intent to deceive ⇒ “Politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred, and schizophrenia” Orwell argues the English language is subject to a vicious cycle ⇒ Language becomes inaccurate because our thoughts are imprecise, and the inaccurate language makes it easier for us to have imprecise thoughts. “A man may take to drink because he feels himself to be a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks.” ⇒ we call these vicious cycles. His most famous works include Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949).Īn effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing a more intense effect, indefinitely ⇒ E.g.

Politics and english language by george orwell summary