This explains a lot. Perhaps one of Orwell's greatest insights – that there is an «outer party» that, despite possessing a nominal status, lives under harsher material and behavioral constraints than proles – comes from being born in an «outer party» family.
Another fascinating piece, Melissa. I've already mentioned Oliver Lewis's 'The Orwell Tour', in which he expands upon the influence on Orwell's future political thinking of his birthplace (you'll probably be aware that his father, while in India, was an agent in the Opium Department of the Government of India—Opium being a vital source of Government income) and then his schooling. From what I can discern, I'm unsure how much of an outsider Orwell was at Eton. Many comment on his propensity for and ability at team sports such as cricket and football (soccer), and he played many times in the Eton Wall Game, with claims he scored a goal (a very rare occurrence). Although it is a fact he never returned to the college after leaving despite many invitations. And Eton was no ordinary 'school' with a staff-to-pupil ratio of 1:8 and a level of education almost comparable to a good university. Two teachers there were the noted antiquarian MR James (of whom Orwell was impressed) and Orwell's French master, Aldous Huxley. Orwell also wrote articles for the Eton newspaper, but it's true that academically, he 'failed' or, more likely, didn't try. As to Burma, we must remember that Orwell had much affection for 'the East'. Like Oliver Lewis, I suspect that, given Orwell's lack of desire to continue in academia, he returned to a part of the world to which he had a nostalgic childhood recollection.
Interesting points. I have read that Orwell’s own account of his youth can’t really be trusted. Although this might be a bit of a digression, one of the things that stuck out to me the most was just how great his education actually was (and, in some sense, how he took it for granted). He looked down upon his education in Latin and Greek, for example, but if they have gotten rid of those classes, students are probably much worse for it.
So I guess, while “Such, Such Were the Joys” might not be the greatest historical account, it speaks volumes about Orwell’s perception of his own childhood.
Yes, I think you've hit it on the head but isn't that true of us all. The perception we have of our past becomes our reality even though we don't mean to deliberately 'change' our history. I've kept a journal for decades and it still surprises me that how I recall an event is not how it unfolded when I read my words of the time. And yes, Orwell had a privileged education denied to many. Most 'working class' children at the time left a very basic education at 14 to enter the world of work (maybe Orwell also wanted to play down how good his education was, and how he was unhappy, in order to avoid appearing as one of the elite)
"The perception we have of our past becomes our reality even though we don't mean to deliberately 'change' our history."—very true, and I think a lot of times I forget when reading an author's account of things that happened to them a long time ago that we're all 'unreliable narrators' of our own lives.
I hadn't considered the political reasons why Orwell might've tried to distance himself from 'the elite,' but given that socialists typically don't like the rich very much, it makes a lot of sense.
Wow, beautifully done Melissa. You are touching on important influences and character traits. Not enough to tell the whole story, but fleshing him out and giving probable/understandable details that will make his later choices resonate. I want to read the next chapter! Very happy for you, and congrats on getting this off the ground!
I know this is off topic, but it is on theme I think. For those that haven't, have a look at Ape and Essence (Huxley's post-Brave New World dystopian future). I warn those not familiar with it, it's got some very disturbing imagery.
If you're from New Zealand, especially Canterbury (yes, where the earthquake was, the mass shooting was, the pyramid is at the airport, a sculpture constructed from the steel frames from the WTC is. Yes, that Canterbury) search this link for either proper noun. You might be interested in Huxley's vision.
This explains a lot. Perhaps one of Orwell's greatest insights – that there is an «outer party» that, despite possessing a nominal status, lives under harsher material and behavioral constraints than proles – comes from being born in an «outer party» family.
Yes, this is a great point!!! This has never 'clicked' in my mind until right now. Thank you!
Another fascinating piece, Melissa. I've already mentioned Oliver Lewis's 'The Orwell Tour', in which he expands upon the influence on Orwell's future political thinking of his birthplace (you'll probably be aware that his father, while in India, was an agent in the Opium Department of the Government of India—Opium being a vital source of Government income) and then his schooling. From what I can discern, I'm unsure how much of an outsider Orwell was at Eton. Many comment on his propensity for and ability at team sports such as cricket and football (soccer), and he played many times in the Eton Wall Game, with claims he scored a goal (a very rare occurrence). Although it is a fact he never returned to the college after leaving despite many invitations. And Eton was no ordinary 'school' with a staff-to-pupil ratio of 1:8 and a level of education almost comparable to a good university. Two teachers there were the noted antiquarian MR James (of whom Orwell was impressed) and Orwell's French master, Aldous Huxley. Orwell also wrote articles for the Eton newspaper, but it's true that academically, he 'failed' or, more likely, didn't try. As to Burma, we must remember that Orwell had much affection for 'the East'. Like Oliver Lewis, I suspect that, given Orwell's lack of desire to continue in academia, he returned to a part of the world to which he had a nostalgic childhood recollection.
Interesting points. I have read that Orwell’s own account of his youth can’t really be trusted. Although this might be a bit of a digression, one of the things that stuck out to me the most was just how great his education actually was (and, in some sense, how he took it for granted). He looked down upon his education in Latin and Greek, for example, but if they have gotten rid of those classes, students are probably much worse for it.
So I guess, while “Such, Such Were the Joys” might not be the greatest historical account, it speaks volumes about Orwell’s perception of his own childhood.
Yes, I think you've hit it on the head but isn't that true of us all. The perception we have of our past becomes our reality even though we don't mean to deliberately 'change' our history. I've kept a journal for decades and it still surprises me that how I recall an event is not how it unfolded when I read my words of the time. And yes, Orwell had a privileged education denied to many. Most 'working class' children at the time left a very basic education at 14 to enter the world of work (maybe Orwell also wanted to play down how good his education was, and how he was unhappy, in order to avoid appearing as one of the elite)
"The perception we have of our past becomes our reality even though we don't mean to deliberately 'change' our history."—very true, and I think a lot of times I forget when reading an author's account of things that happened to them a long time ago that we're all 'unreliable narrators' of our own lives.
I hadn't considered the political reasons why Orwell might've tried to distance himself from 'the elite,' but given that socialists typically don't like the rich very much, it makes a lot of sense.
Wow, beautifully done Melissa. You are touching on important influences and character traits. Not enough to tell the whole story, but fleshing him out and giving probable/understandable details that will make his later choices resonate. I want to read the next chapter! Very happy for you, and congrats on getting this off the ground!
Thank you so much, Michael! I’m trying to follow your advice about the Hero’s Journey—I’m glad it’s making you want to keep following along.
I'm glad I found your work. Great stuff.
I know this is off topic, but it is on theme I think. For those that haven't, have a look at Ape and Essence (Huxley's post-Brave New World dystopian future). I warn those not familiar with it, it's got some very disturbing imagery.
If you're from New Zealand, especially Canterbury (yes, where the earthquake was, the mass shooting was, the pyramid is at the airport, a sculpture constructed from the steel frames from the WTC is. Yes, that Canterbury) search this link for either proper noun. You might be interested in Huxley's vision.
https://ia601405.us.archive.org/10/items/HeliganSecretsOfTheLostGardens/HuxleyAldous-ApeAndEssence.pdf
There's probably also a link at Anna's Archive to a better copy but after a quick look at the above pdf it looks ok.
Interesting!! This is the first I'd heard of Canterbury (and any of the strange things that happened there—that's wild!).
John's read Ape and Essence, but I haven't, and will probably give it a read after this comment. Some parts of this blurb ring startlingly true.
Oh yes, we're at the centre of things here. The gateway to Antarctica "don't you know" (channelling 'Lord Peter Wimsey').
I always enjoy an obligatory biographical section.