The art of writing employs many different types of linguistic elements in order to convey meaning, such as grammar and style. “Grammar and style are two distinct concepts in the use of language” (Curzan and Adams 56). Grammar refers “to all language constructions that conform to the systematic rules of a language and are, therefore, comprehensible to another speaker of the language” (Curzan and Adams 11). Style, generally, refers to the use of “good” English where it is “used effectively for clarity, appropriateness, and aesthetic appeal” (Curzan and Adams 38). One author, George Orwell, a British journalist, essayist, and novelist, took these a step further by introducing his own stylistic rules for writing. “A writer should never use a metaphor,
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To understand the context of the essay, the political climate between the British and the Burmese during this time must first be addressed. “Legal changes imposed upon a country such as Burma in the nineteenth century, without an opportunity for its people to absorb that law into their own culture, institutions, and way of life, can and did lead to disorder and chaos” (Stanton). After learning of the conflict, it is simple to understand the animosity felt within the opening line, “In Moulmein, in Lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people – the only time in my life that I have been important enough for this to happen to me” (“Shooting an Elephant” 2228). Orwell is well-known for using a “striking opening” to effectively hook his readers (Meyers). His style does not seek to entertain his audience only to reflect his own humanity in a way that is intimate and familiar. He does not condescend to his readers, but rather “trusted his audience to share his values and understanding of the world” (Meyers). Clarity was foremost in importance in his writing style. His “writing very often does urge something; he does try to put what he has to say in terms so plain as to command assent; he does believe that clarity is the first requisite of style” (Justman). Even so, he continued developing this style of writing which included “vigorous prose”,
To understand the context of the essay, the political climate between the British and the Burmese during this time must first be addressed. “Legal changes imposed upon a country such as Burma in the nineteenth century, without an opportunity for its people to absorb that law into their own culture, institutions, and way of life, can and did lead to disorder and chaos” (Stanton). After learning of the conflict, it is simple to understand the animosity felt within the opening line, “In Moulmein, in Lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people – the only time in my life that I have been important enough for this to happen to me” (“Shooting an Elephant” 2228). Orwell is well-known for using a “striking opening” to effectively hook his readers (Meyers). His style does not seek to entertain his audience only to reflect his own humanity in a way that is intimate and familiar. He does not condescend to his readers, but rather “trusted his audience to share his values and understanding of the world” (Meyers). Clarity was foremost in importance in his writing style. His “writing very often does urge something; he does try to put what he has to say in terms so plain as to command assent; he does believe that clarity is the first requisite of style” (Justman). Even so, he continued developing this style of writing which included “vigorous prose”,