Since rhetoric was established, arguments have been the basis of both communication and literature over the course of history. As one of the oldest and widely-used devices in rhetoric, writers –over the centuries –have used arguments to present issues to their readers in a context that uses carefully-chosen, well-composed arguments, while, at the same time, supports their cases with sound and logical reasoning in order to convince their readers that their claims are good or true. Many people, especially during the late eighteenth century and from then on, have composed arguments that were powerful enough to begin a war. Other works of rhetoric have empowered discriminated groups to band together and revolt against their oppressors in order …show more content…
In the essay, George Orwell –the author –makes a well-thought out argument about the deterioration of the English language and the careless manner in which it is used in politics. Among the many mistakes and offenses made within English language Orwell lists, the writer argues against the use of pretentious diction, which is the use of excessive or unnecessary (and incorrect) words used in place of more simple words. Orwell contends that pretentious diction is especially harmful to English politics (and the English language, in general), because the political terminology and jargon that is used makes writing difficult to interpret, vague, and slovenly. Orwell also explains how different words may mean different things to different people and how important it is to use simple, concrete words so as to communicate the correct message to other …show more content…
For instance, Jefferson’s sentence states that all men are created equal, where the sentence reads ‘men’ and only ‘men’ alone. If equality is only meant for men, what does that mean for their female counterparts? It is likely that Jefferson used the word ‘men’ as a grouping phrase for the colonial people as a whole, but the choice in wording that he employed is the kind of ambiguous language that George Orwell explicitly points has brought about the degrading of politics in the English language. In the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, Stanton makes prominent use of pretentious diction. Phrases such as ‘administer chastisement’, ‘scanty remuneration’, and ‘usurped the prerogative’ can all be simplified into words that are more concrete and easier to understand by her readers (Kirszner & Mandell). Orwell stated that it is easier to use “bigger” words in order to create a sense of symmetry. However, the use of pretentious diction in Stanton’s text results in ambiguity and an overall sloppiness that can be seen throughout her entire
Creative Section Prompt: Write a scene where an “unlovable” character is involved in a surprising or unexpected hobby or appreciation for something.
“People who had incurred the displeasure of the party simply disappeared and were never heard of again.
This essay is distinctly about how life experiences alter the way in which your writings travel. The ups and downs of life will determine the perspective you see of your life, in turn, determining how you feel or express yourself. Orwell states, “his subject matter will be determined by the age he lives in – at least this is true in tumultuous, revolutionary ages like our own” (265). This statement proves how writing develops with age and how through different time periods, has evolved. Orwell's essay focuses on the indirect wants.
Diction: While George Orwell used fairly simple and uncomplicated diction to tell the story many of his words still have a very powerful diction. In the first chapter the protagonist Winston is attack by the smell of “boiled cabbage and old rag mats”. This is the first indication to the nature of the living conditions of our protagonist. However, Orwell also uses his diction to create the atmosphere of Oceania with lines like “the world looked cold. Down in the street little eddies of wind were whirling dust and torn paper into spirals, and though the sun was shining and the sky a harsh blue, there seemed to be no colour in anything”. These lines contain powerful words like cold, torn, and harsh and these worlds help paint the picture of what kind of story we are reading.
George Orwell uses strong, noticebly-patterned diction to highlight his argument, that choosing human imperfection is better in some situations
1984 was written in 1948 and published in 1949 by Eric Arthur Blair under the pen name ‘George Orwell’. It is set in the year 1984 in Airstrip One, which is a province in the country of Oceania. The world is in a constant state of war between Oceania, and the other two countries, Eurasia and Eastasia. Oceania is controlled by English Socialism, or INGSOC in Oceania’s language, Newspeak. The powerful Inner Party controls the country using omnipresent surveillance, and manipulation. Every part of life is regimented and controlled, but the only crime is ‘thoughtcrime’: independent thinking and individualism. Big Brother is the figurehead of the Inner Party, and throughout the book, it is heavily implied that he may not really exist. The people
Imagine the world we are living in today, now imagine a world where we are told who to marry, where to work, who to hate and not to love. It is hard to imagine right, some people even today are living in the world actually have governments that are controlling their everyday life. In literature many writers have given us a view of how life may be like if our rights as citizen and our rights simply as human beings. One day the government may actually find a way to control and brainwash people into beings with no emotions like they have in the book 1984 where they express only hate, because that’s what they have been taught by the party.
Orwell, George. “Politics and the English Language.” George Orwell: Critical Essays. London: Harvill Secker: 2009. 270-286. Print.
Many people can relate to receiving an essay paper back in which they believe that the grading is unfair. Grammatical errors, style, and subject are areas that receive the most attention. However, it may not be the writers’ work that is ineffective, maybe it 's the English language itself that is lacking in quality. Similarly, George Orwell in " Politics and the English Language" convinces the audience that the causes of the decline in the English language are the vagueness and meaningless of prose that is receiving impact from political jargon. Orwell effectively persuades the readers by addressing opposing views, providing examples that offer support to sub-claims, and creating reader connections while simultaneously
An Analysis of George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language” (1946). Orwell’s article on the English language is on point because it defines how people have become lazy in how they communicate with each other. This type of “slovenliness” is part of the problem in terms of why the English language is often misused by the speaker: “The slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts” (Orwell para.2). Due to the speaker’s laziness, the language becomes confused, and the person begins having “foolish thoughts” that do not have very good accuracy. This mental process is one way that Orwell defines the importance of language as a tool for clarity of thought, which is important when conveying a message to another person or group of people.
Howe, Tom. "George Orwell." British Writers Volume VII. Ed. Ian Scott-Kilvert. New York: Scribner, 1984. 273-287.
Orwell argues that society is completely oblivious to the constraint that is involved in every day life. There is no individual in society and that everyone remains the same. “Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought?” (46) Not only does a limiting of words show society that by controlling methods of co...
In his long list of Britain’s actions, words with negative connotation can be found throughout. For example, Jefferson states, “He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws...he has utterly neglected to attend to them” (Jefferson Paragraph 4). The verbs “forbidden” and “neglected” create a condemning tone. It makes the British King, the audience, feel guilty of what he has done to the colonies. Likewise, Jefferson states, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people” (Jefferson Paragraph 25). Here, he uses strong, vilifying words such as “plundered,” “ravaged,” and “destroyed” in the same sentence to exemplify how the colonies have suffered under the tyranny of Britain. The audience can easily see in Jefferson’s reasoning that in the colonies’ opinion, Britain is the one at fault. Anyone can understand that being “plundered,” “ravaged,” and “destroyed” is not favorable. Thus, Jefferson’s reasoning becomes agreeable, making the audience understand the colonies’ frustration and the colonies’ need for independence.
George Orwell’s essay, Politics and the English Language, first published in 1946, talks about some “bad habits”, which have driven the English language in the wrong direction, that is, away from communicating ideas. In his essay he quotes five passages, each from a different author, which embody the faults he is talking about. He lists dying metaphors, operators, pretentious diction, and meaningless words as things to look out for in your own writing and the writing of others (593-595). He talks about political uses of the English language. Our language has become ugly and the ugliness impedes upon communication. Ugly uses of language have been reinforced and passed down in the population “even among people who should and do know better,” (598). Ugly language has been gaining ground in our population by a positive feedback mechanism.
Based on the two essays, George Orwell is a vivid writer who uses a unique point of view and strong themes of pride and role playing to convey his messages. His writings are easy to pick out because of the strengths of these messages. Just like politicians in government, people with power turn corrupt to stay in power and keep their reputations. Anyone who takes on power must be prepared to live with the consequences of his actions. Orwell knows this challenge well and conveys this principle in his writing. After all, his narration is based on real life experiences and not fictional fantasies.