Plot Summary

Politics and the English Language

George Orwell
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Politics and the English Language

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1946

Book Brief

George Orwell

Politics and the English Language

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1946
Book Details
Pages

36

Format

Essay / Speech • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1946

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In his essay "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell critiques modern written English's decline, linking it to political manipulation and intellectual laziness. He argues that vague and insincere language obscures truth and perpetuates oppressive ideologies. Resolving this, Orwell offers six rules for clear writing, aiming to restore language's precision and intellectual honesty. The text references British colonization, Russian deportations, and the Hiroshima bombing.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

9,459 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

George Orwell's Politics and the English Language receives acclaim for its incisive critique of vague and deceptive language in politics. Reviewers commend Orwell's clarity and relevance, but some criticize his prescriptive tone and the essay's stringent linguistic rules. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking analysis of language's role in shaping political discourse.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Politics and the English Language?

Readers who cherish Orwell's critiques of language misuse in politics will appreciate Politics and the English Language. Thinkers who enjoyed The Elements of Style by Strunk and White or On Writing Well by William Zinsser will find Orwell’s reflections on clear and effective communication engaging and insightful.

4.3

9,459 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

36

Format

Essay / Speech • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1946

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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