“Dickens is one of those authors who are well worth stealing.”
- 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
“Dickens is one of those authors who are well worth stealing.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell humorously acknowledges the literary brilliance of Charles Dickens, suggesting that Dickens’ works are so valuable, enjoyable, and inspiring that they are “well worth stealing”—not in a literal sense, but in the sense that writers can (and should) borrow from his style, character development, and vivid storytelling. Orwell’s use of the phrase implies a deep admiration for Dickens’ mastery of plot, character, and social commentary, encouraging others to take inspiration from his works. The phrase also carries a lighthearted irony, as Orwell recognizes that great authors like Dickens, due to their richness and depth, can be sources of creative influence, even if it means emulating or learning from their approach.
Orwell, who was a strong advocate for clarity and directness in writing, admired Dickens for his ability to weave compelling stories while also addressing social injustices and inequalities. Dickens’ work often critiqued the social class system, the poor treatment of the working class, and the failures of institutions, which aligns with Orwell’s own concerns about political oppression and social reform. Though Orwell had his own writing style, he saw in Dickens an example of how literary art could be used to comment on social realities and influence public consciousness.
This quote remains relevant in understanding how literary traditions evolve, with newer writers drawing from the works of those who came before them. Orwell’s words remind us of the importance of learning from past masters and using their work as a foundation for developing new ideas and forms of expression. While we might not “steal” in the literal sense, the idea of being influenced by great writers like Dickens continues to shape literary creation and criticism today.
