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George Orwell Influences

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George Orwell George Orwell’s literary works are well known for their strong political perspectives and are often taught to students across the United States. Orwell’s works have been influential and impactful for several decades with his perspectives being articulated even years after his death. Orwell had several life experiences that contributed to these social and political beliefs. The experiences that George Orwell endured are displayed throughout his childhood, memoir Down and Out in Paris and London, and the living conditions in Britain during the Great Depression. George Orwell’s early upbringing significantly contributed to his future political views. He was born in Motihari, Bengal, India in 1903 (“George Orwell Biography” par. 1). …show more content…

The United States and Europe were hit badly during the Great Depression in the late 1920s and 1930s. It started in the United States, but quickly spread to European countries. Prices of items deflated substantially, by 30% or more (Pells par. 1-30). This is just one way in which economies around the world were declining, which began as Orwell was growing up. Thus, price deflation was a significant issue occurring throughout Orwell’s life. The depression occurred across the globe from 1929-1939, but in Britain, it was primarily from 1930-1932 (Pells par. 1-30). Orwell was in his twenties for the majority of the depression. This displays that he was still young when experiencing the effects of the Great Depression. In light of the trying times, Orwell recognized the need for art as a response to the treacherous times. He also explained damage of perpetuating propaganda (Calder par. 3). In the society he lived in, he noticed that there were several problems with propaganda. He advocated for change through his literary works. Orwell expressed his views through his writing, especially the critical essays that he wrote. He believed in honesty and expression as factors that would lead to political integrity (Calder par. 2-3). Orwell’s expression of his beliefs demonstrates his passion for political advocacy as well as writing. In the novel Animal Farm, Orwell wrote, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” (Stewart par. 2). This quote displays his beliefs on politics at the time through an analogy to animals, which implied that equality is not truly as equal as it is presented. Orwell was a prominent figure during his time who advocated for his beliefs through his

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