“Big Brother is Watching You.” - 1984
“Big Brother is Watching You.” - 1984
George Orwell was one of the most significant English writers of the 20th century, known for his political and social critiques. Born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903 in India, his most famous works include 1984 and Animal Farm. Orwell was a strong critic of totalitarian regimes and social inequality. His writings often explore themes such as government oppression, individual freedoms, and the questioning of justice. He also worked as a journalist and fought in the Spanish Civil War. Orwell is a key figure in modern literature, known for his emphasis on the power of language and manipulation.
George Orwell’s early career began after he attended Eton, where he was recognized for his writing skills, though he did not excel academically. After school, he joined the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, a job he took to escape his lower-middle-class background. His time in Burma, however, left him disillusioned with imperialism, an experience that would later influence his works. Orwell returned to England and struggled to establish himself as a writer, taking on various low-paying jobs, including as a teacher and a bookseller. His first notable work, Down and Out in Paris and London (1933), was an autobiographical account of his time living in poverty, marking the beginning of his career as a social and political writer.
George Orwell's first novel, Burmese Days (1934), was inspired by his experiences serving in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. The novel portrays the harsh realities of British colonial rule, focusing on the corrupt and oppressive nature of the imperial system. Set in a fictional town in Burma, the story follows John Flory, a disillusioned British official, as he grapples with his own moral dilemmas, racism, and the complexities of colonial society. The novel, though not initially a commercial success, laid the groundwork for Orwell's future works, showcasing his emerging concerns with social injustice and the abuse of power.