Orwell's Opposition

George Orwell has been one of my favorite writers since I read 1984 in my ninth grade literature class.  I have a great respect for Orwell’s resistance towards conformity, and the power of institutions of all kinds over the culture and everyday lives of the human race.  In his article “Politics in the English Language” I have been once again moved by Orwell’s revolutionary ideas.  Through this in depth look into the constructs and misconceptions of English itself, Orwell allows his audience to see their language (English) from a starkly different perspective than we do on a regular basis.  The examples given in this article are striking to the audience because he comments on the “normal” literary conventions of the day.  Thus, Orwell forces his reader to confront his own use of English as a communicative device.  Orwell is able to succinctly point out the different uses, and misuses, of language, and then describe the true effect of language on the meaning of an English work. 

One main aspect of Orwell’s article that sparked my interest is his emphasis on the power of language.  I find it interesting to see how the smallest idiosyncrasy in a sentence can completely change the tone, emotion, or even meaning of a work.  It is interesting to note how accurately Orwell portrays the language of what is popularly considered politics and how it can change the true meaning of an otherwise fundamental idea.  In the thirteenth paragraph of this article, Orwell draws a startling conclusion about politics and the English language, he describes a politician reciting an overwrought speech full to the brim of colloquial phrases and metaphors meant to emphasize whatever point he is trying to make.  Through this description, Orwell makes a serious comment on the power of language as a whole.  Anyone can make up an idea and share it with others, but those who manipulate language in order to meet the ends they desire are helping to destroy the overall clarity of the English language.  I tend to agree with Orwell on this subject.  I feel that most propaganda, whether political, religious or what-have-you is a gross misuse of the English language, because it twists words and gives them new meaning in the context of whatever they are promoting.  I wish more people would just say what they mean in a clear, concise statement rather than fluff up their diction in order to gain sympathizers.