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George Orwell Politic Essay

In: English and Literature

Submitted By cbass
Words 442
Pages 2
Cassandra Booker
Mr. Murray
AP English Language & Composition B
17 April 2016
George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" - Writing Prompt
In George Orwell's essay, "Politics and the English Language", he discusses how good writing "has nothing to do with correct grammar and syntax, which are of no importance so long as one makes one's meaning clear." In many ways, Orwell is exactly right. The purpose of writing is often times to convey an idea, to relay information, or to make a point. "Correct grammar and syntax" are of much less importance when the purpose of writing is simply to tell of an idea or defend a point/main purpose.
I agree with Orwell in which he has stated writing is not all about the wording and strong use of grammar. What makes good writing is the idea behind it and the detailing put into it. In his essay "Politics in the English Language", he explains how dying metaphors, operators or verbal false limbs, pretentious diction, and meaningless words are all just space fillers and are unimportant to the essay itself. He believes they are just a way for the writer to stall and drag on their work. There is a "half-conscious belief that language is a natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes.” Words are meant to flow “naturally” and at ease. Instead, modern-day writers, and past writers as well, have made the mistake of forcing words and jumbling them together defeating their purpose in the process.
Now, although it is true that the way it is worded doesn't really make up the point of the essay, the wording is still a strong part of the writing. "Correct grammar and syntax" show proper writing skills and demonstrate that the author is knowledgeable in the art of writing a good, strong, and solid essay. Pretentious diction specifically increases character and uniqueness to the writing and makes it more enjoyable, and maybe even challenging in a good way, to read. And though, "correct grammar and syntax" are not everything in an essay, they do play a relatively important part.
So all in all, George Orwell did have several respectable points in his essay, "Politics and the English Language." He was very correct and accurate in saying that writing has nothing to do with correct grammar and syntax. However, the opposing viewpoint could argue correct grammar and syntax aids the essay in structure and portrays the writer’s knowledge and character. Educated grammar and syntax are not the main focal points of an essay, but they still should be considered and included instead of ignored.

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