Critical Analysis of the Author's Works

In both books that I read, Orwell used his own experiences to influence literary fiction that was meant to prove a point about the corrupt nature of the government. Not only is it apparent in the two books that I read for this project, but it is obvious in all of his pieces, whether they be journal entries, short stories, or books. Orwell was able to so accurately depict British colonialism in his writing because it was something that he actually experienced. In both books, it is obvious that Orwell was drawing from experience in order to write his stories. For example, the narrator in Down and Out in Paris and London relates to Orwell and his family because he did not come from money, and he had to deal with poverty in his life. He wrote separately about how miserable he was at boarding school because he did not fit in with the others (A&E Television Networks). It’s clear that Orwell struggled with poverty, and it influenced his writing, and the point of view from which he wrote this book. He did not show the rich person’s point of view at any time throughout the book. The wealthy seemed to just be a part of the story in order to juxtapose those who struggled with poverty. In Burmese Days, Orwell draws from his own experiences as an Imperial Police Officer (Scutts). Obviously Orwell was unhappy with his participation in the Imperial Police. He began to realize that the natives of Burma did not want to be controlled by England, and he felt guilty that he was part of the group that forced control on them. Most of the events in this book actually took place, and the people were inspired by real people that he was involved with during his time in Burma. In the book, the Imperial Police Officers are the antagonists. The book exhibits the mistreatment and violence that Orwell witnessed while stationed at Burma. I think that Orwell wanted to make it clear that he was not supportive of the action that the British Government took prior to World War II. (Scutts)

"George Orwell." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 14 Jan. 2015.

Scutts, Joanna. "George Orwell in Life and Literature." Biographile George Orwell in Life and Literature Comments. Random House, 21 Jan. 2014. Web. 8 Jan. 2015.