I was given a series of small books, part of a series called Great Ideas, published by Penguin Books. They are nice because they are small and easily carried in a pocket or handbag.
I have started reading one of them, Why I Write by George Orwell. The title essay is short but very interesting and well-written, as should be expected from Orwell, of course. It is nice because he reminds me that all writing is political, in that all writers have something to say, and having something to say is political. If someone has nothing to say they would not and certainly should not write. Of course I know this but sometimes forget it when I get all up in arms over a book that I find to be so overtly politically one-sided that it becomes more diatribe than fiction. At first thought, I would have said my objection is that I object with the author’s politics, but that is not the case. I don’t care if the point is liberal or conservative; nor do I care about whether or not I agree with the point being made. I suppose I care more that the point is well made, with elegance and finesse. I appreciate good writing even though I will also admit to enjoying a good story even when the writing is poor. I find however, that one thing that truly antagonizes me, other than truly awful writing, is writing which is so obviously political that it browbeats the reader, makes no attempts at subtlety or objectivity, and takes the reader on a ride that is so obviously one-sided as to be almost rabidly so. Good writing leads you to its point through considered argument. I dislike being beaten about the head and shoulders by the message before I have even had a chance to begin to enjoy the book.
I am in the middle of the second essay now, The Lion and The Unicorn. It is interesting in several ways, most notably so far in Orwell’s analysis of the English temper and character, as well as the way he defines the character of a people, English or other.
I am most amused at the moment by the section on the “left-wing intelligentsia” and the acknowledgment that there was, at that time, “no intelligentsia that is not in some sense ‘left’”. Although Orwell is writing of the English Intelligentsia of over 50 years ago, he could in many ways be describing American Intelligentsia today. It is quite humerus. As you know, I despise fanaticism, be it religious, cultural, intellectual, or political. I am having great fun with this essay. Of course, since I am not at the end I have no idea where Orwell will take me next and what, finally, will be revealed.
I have not finished, this is a good book for picking up in dribs and drabs, and each section aside from being entertaining, rewards reflection. There is therefore no need to rush as this work will be slow to be assimilated.