Why I Write

Main Ideas

• Exploring a writer's motivation: Orwell analyzes his own reasons for writing, highlighting factors such as egoism, aesthetic pleasure, historical impulse, and political purpose.
• Political purpose in literature: Orwell emphasizes the importance of political purpose in literature, arguing that all writers, consciously or not, write with a political aim.
• Honesty and clarity in writing: Orwell advocates for honesty and clarity in writing, criticizing the use of clichés and vague language that can obscure the truth.
• Influence of environment on creativity: Orwell discusses how his life experiences and historical context have influenced his work and worldview.
• Conflict between personal and public interests: Orwell examines the internal conflict between personal ambitions and public interests that every writer experiences.