Write A Rhetorical Analysis Of Why I Write By George Orwell

Words: 1140
Pages: 5

There is no piece of writing that has been coined without a purpose by the author. In George Orwell’s essay ‘Why I Write’ the erudite writer establishes and introduces the four universal motives for writing which are sheer egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse and political purpose. Orwell’s four motives can be applied to literature fictional or nonfictional. Every writer consciously or unconsciously writes because of at least one of the four motives. Out of many examples that come to mind, a notable work of literature that exemplifies the use of such motives mentioned by the acclaimed Orwell would be “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula Le Guin. Written in 1973, the fictional, seemingly plotless short story depicts to readers the what appears to be perfect utopian city of Omelas. Once a reader delves into the essay he or she can apply Orwell’s universal motives to …show more content…
George Orwell identifies this reason as his first motive of sheer egoism. Orwell describes sheer egoism as the “desire to seem clever, to be talked about, to be remembered after death, to get your own back on the grown-ups who snubbed you in childhood, etc., etc.” (Orwell 3) this definition further conveys Orwell’s opinion that writers are selfish and want to write in order for their opinions to be noted, to let their voices be heard the public. As all authors, had Le Guin not have the desire to see her short story occupying the hands of multitudes the narrative would not have been written. Le Guin wants to be remembered as the author who challenged her reader’s ethics which is why she poses the question “Do you believe? Do you accept the festival, the city, the joy? No? [...]” (Le Guin 3) The thought of people having debates about whether or not the city is morally correct just because of her clever questions or to even change the mind of a few readers is enough to boost her ego that she had accomplished her