“It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one’s own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one’s own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell emphasizes the importance of objectivity and clarity in writing, suggesting that in order to produce good prose, a writer must actively work to remove their personal biases and subjective influences from their work. The act of writing is about communicating ideas clearly, without letting the writer’s own personality or emotional state dominate the message. Orwell compares good writing to a windowpane, which allows the reader to see through it clearly, without the distraction of the window itself. This metaphor suggests that writing should serve as a transparent medium through which the reader can engage with the content, free from unnecessary flourishes or self-expression.
Orwell’s belief in the importance of clarity and directness in writing is reflected in his broader views on language. He was highly critical of political language and the use of jargon or obfuscation to manipulate meaning, as discussed in his essay Politics and the English Language. Orwell argued that clear, simple language could cut through the fog of political propaganda and misleading rhetoric, allowing people to communicate more effectively and honestly. For Orwell, the writer’s role is to communicate truth without drawing attention to their own voice, style, or ego.
This idea is still relevant today, especially in the context of journalism, political discourse, and literature, where clarity and precision in language are often essential for effective communication. Orwell’s quote serves as a reminder to strive for writing that is transparent and honest, allowing ideas to be conveyed without the distortion of personal bias or unnecessary complexity. It challenges writers to focus on their message and ensure that their personality doesn’t overshadow the content they wish to express, making the writing accessible and relatable to the reader.
