DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

George Orwell’s Why I Write is a personal essay that delves into his motivations as a writer, his political beliefs, and the role of literature in society. Written in 1946, this essay offers insight into the mind of one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Orwell traces his journey from childhood to adulthood, outlining the forces that shaped his literary career and defining his perspective on writing as both an art and a tool for social commentary.

Let’s explore…

Orwell’s early life and the origins of his writing ambition

Orwell begins by discussing his early years, emphasizing that writing was an instinctive part of his childhood. From a young age, he engaged in storytelling, creating imaginary worlds and crafting detailed narratives. He recalls composing his first poem at the age of four or five, demonstrating an early affinity for language and structure. As he grew older, Orwell found solace in books and developed a deep appreciation for literature, leading to his desire to become a writer. However, he acknowledges the struggles that accompany this profession, describing writing as a “horrible, exhausting struggle” that often demands relentless self-examination.

Despite these difficulties, Orwell identifies an internal drive that compels writers to pursue their craft. He believes that writing is fueled by a combination of egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose. These motivations, he argues, shape a writer’s approach to their work and dictate the subjects they choose to explore.

The four motivations for writing

Orwell outlines four fundamental motives that influence all writers:

1. Sheer egoism – Orwell candidly acknowledges that a desire for personal recognition and legacy drives many writers. He argues that writers are often motivated by vanity and a yearning to be remembered, though this impulse varies in intensity from person to person.
2. Aesthetic enthusiasm – This motivation stems from a love of words, beauty, and the craft of writing itself. Orwell describes the joy that comes from arranging words effectively and creating vivid imagery, stating that literature has an intrinsic artistic value beyond its utilitarian function.
3. Historical impulse – Writers often seek to document and analyze events, preserving truth for future generations. Orwell emphasizes that writing can serve as a means of capturing reality and bearing witness to history.
4. Political purpose – Perhaps the most significant motivation for Orwell, political writing seeks to challenge power structures and advocate for social change. Orwell asserts that no book is truly apolitical; all literature, whether overtly or subtly, reflects the political landscape of its time.

Orwell’s transition to political writing

As he matured, Orwell’s approach to writing evolved. He initially experimented with various forms of storytelling, including poetry and fiction, before realizing that his primary concern was political in nature. He attributes this shift to his experiences in colonial Burma, his involvement in the Spanish Civil War, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century.

Orwell was deeply disturbed by the political oppression he witnessed, particularly under fascist and communist regimes. These observations reinforced his belief that writing should serve a greater purpose—to expose lies, defend the truth, and challenge injustice. His commitment to political writing became evident in works such as Animal Farm and 1984, both of which critique authoritarianism and propaganda.

He admits that his early works lacked the same clarity of purpose, as he had not yet fully integrated his political convictions into his writing. However, by the mid-1930s, Orwell had developed a distinct literary voice that combined narrative storytelling with sharp political commentary.

The relationship between politics and literature

One of Orwell’s most enduring arguments in Why I Write is that all writing is inherently political. He contends that even those who claim to be apolitical are, in reality, influenced by their ideological beliefs and the social conditions of their time. Orwell asserts that the writer’s responsibility is to engage with pressing social and political issues, using literature as a means to challenge oppressive systems.

He critiques the decline of honest and clear writing, blaming political manipulation and propaganda for distorting language. Orwell argues that vague and deceptive language is often used to conceal atrocities and justify oppressive policies. He advocates for simple, direct, and truthful writing as a means of resisting totalitarianism and promoting democratic ideals.

Orwell’s commitment to clarity and truth

A key theme in Orwell’s essay is his insistence on clarity and honesty in writing. He believes that the decline of language is closely tied to political corruption. To combat this, Orwell champions a writing style that prioritizes precision and transparency. His famous six rules for writing, later elaborated in his essay Politics and the English Language, reflect his belief that writers should avoid unnecessary complexity and strive for clear expression.

Orwell’s commitment to truthfulness extends beyond language to the broader role of literature. He sees writing as a moral act, one that demands courage and integrity. He emphasizes that good writing should challenge rather than conform to prevailing political narratives, even if doing so invites controversy or criticism.

Orwell’s reflection on his writing career

Toward the end of Why I Write, Orwell reflects on his literary journey and acknowledges the compromises he has made along the way. He admits that while he has always aspired to be a politically engaged writer, he has also struggled with personal ambitions and aesthetic concerns. Despite these tensions, Orwell remains steadfast in his belief that writing should serve a higher purpose.

He describes the tension between artistic integrity and political commitment, recognizing that great literature should not be reduced to mere propaganda. Instead, Orwell argues that the best political writing combines artistic merit with ideological conviction. He believes that literature should engage readers intellectually and emotionally, prompting them to question their beliefs and consider new perspectives.

Conclusion: Writing as a political and personal act

Why I Write serves as both a personal manifesto and a broader commentary on the role of literature in society. Orwell’s reflections on his motivations, struggles, and aspirations provide valuable insight into his creative process and political philosophy. His insistence that writing is inherently political remains relevant in contemporary discourse, highlighting the enduring power of literature as a tool for social change.

Orwell’s essay ultimately reinforces the idea that writing is an act of resistance against oppression and misinformation. His call for clarity, truthfulness, and political engagement continues to inspire writers and readers alike. Why I Write is not merely an account of Orwell’s personal journey—it is a reminder that literature has the potential to shape history, challenge injustice, and illuminate the human condition.