Writing Tips From George Orwell

If you were to have lunch with George Orwell, the conversation would likely cover political ideologies, the dangers of totalitarianism, and the importance of clear, truthful language. Orwell, famous for his novels 1984 and Animal Farm, is a writer who saw beyond the surface of society, offering profound critiques of power, corruption, and oppression. His works are not just stories; they are warnings and manifestos about the fragility of freedom and the perils of unchecked authority. Orwell’s talent for blending narrative with political commentary, his ability to create stark, chilling dystopias, and his emphasis on clarity and precision in language make him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

Here are three “tricks of the trade” we can learn from George Orwell, a writer whose work continues to shape our understanding of society and power.

Political Commentary Through Allegory and Narrative

Orwell’s novels are deeply political, but rather than deliver lectures or essays, he embeds his critiques of authoritarianism, propaganda, and oppression within powerful stories and allegories. In Animal Farm, for instance, he critiques the rise of Soviet communism through the simple yet effective allegory of a farm where the animals overthrow their human owner only to fall under the control of…