In the George Orwell's novel The Clergyman's Daughter, the main character Dorothy goes on a life changing journey. After waking up in London with no memory, Dorothy assumes a new identity. In her new life she becomes aware of the hardships of the world which enlightens her. The changes of her surroundings lead her to challenge her beliefs. Through her journey, she discovers how work can give her life a greater purpose, although the expectations and limitations of society force her to abandon that work. Although people may face circumstances that change their ideas, some people resist change because society dictates moral codes that overshadow one's personal desires.
Living in her small village causes Dorothy to be compulsorily dedicated to …show more content…
When Dorothy wakes up in the streets of London with no memory, a vagrant who calls himself Nobby approaches her. He is going to pick hops for the season and invites Dorothy to join him. While traveling with Nobby, Dorothy is in awe of his free spirit. He has nothing to his name; yet, he is persistently happy. The same applies for most of the hop pickers. Orwell's description of the fields come from his own experiences living near a hop field (“George Orwell). Days of hop picking are full of back breaking work for little pay; however, the spirit of pickers is high. Songs are commonly heard throughout the fields (80-81). The songs along with the community the pickers have created help Dorothy feel like she belongs. Despite the harsh conditions she is exposed to, she feels satisfied with her work in the fields and discovers a mental freedom she has never experienced. Even after Dorothy discovers her true identity and is continually rejected by her father (96), working in the field serves as an escape from modern issues and …show more content…
Trueman). As Dorothy walks out of the school she is approached by Mr. Warburton who announces she is welcome home again (181-84). Dorothy is overcome by joy which is short lived. When she arrives home to Knype Hill she will not be the same person. Through her journey and discovery of the corruption of the world Dorothy has lost faith in God. She decides although she is no longer a believer she will continue her same rituals as before. Mr Warburton proposes an escape from a life of hypocrisy by marrying him. When she considers his reputation she becomes appalled by his offer (190-93). She will not marry her only friend because it would not be proper for the daughter of a rector to marry such a scandalous man. Even through twisted morals of society have brought Dorothy sorrow, she still has those same morals inside of her. What is proper and traditional is still more important to her than living a life full of joy and freedom. She is unable to accept the possibility of change so she must live her life as a hypocrite and liar.
In each location she spends time in Dorothy learns more about herself and the world she lives in. Although her ideas and values have changed, societal norms for women and the daughter of clergymen leave her with few options. All the forms of pleasure and freedom she has found are deemed unacceptable.
Living in her small village causes Dorothy to be compulsorily dedicated to …show more content…
When Dorothy wakes up in the streets of London with no memory, a vagrant who calls himself Nobby approaches her. He is going to pick hops for the season and invites Dorothy to join him. While traveling with Nobby, Dorothy is in awe of his free spirit. He has nothing to his name; yet, he is persistently happy. The same applies for most of the hop pickers. Orwell's description of the fields come from his own experiences living near a hop field (“George Orwell). Days of hop picking are full of back breaking work for little pay; however, the spirit of pickers is high. Songs are commonly heard throughout the fields (80-81). The songs along with the community the pickers have created help Dorothy feel like she belongs. Despite the harsh conditions she is exposed to, she feels satisfied with her work in the fields and discovers a mental freedom she has never experienced. Even after Dorothy discovers her true identity and is continually rejected by her father (96), working in the field serves as an escape from modern issues and …show more content…
Trueman). As Dorothy walks out of the school she is approached by Mr. Warburton who announces she is welcome home again (181-84). Dorothy is overcome by joy which is short lived. When she arrives home to Knype Hill she will not be the same person. Through her journey and discovery of the corruption of the world Dorothy has lost faith in God. She decides although she is no longer a believer she will continue her same rituals as before. Mr Warburton proposes an escape from a life of hypocrisy by marrying him. When she considers his reputation she becomes appalled by his offer (190-93). She will not marry her only friend because it would not be proper for the daughter of a rector to marry such a scandalous man. Even through twisted morals of society have brought Dorothy sorrow, she still has those same morals inside of her. What is proper and traditional is still more important to her than living a life full of joy and freedom. She is unable to accept the possibility of change so she must live her life as a hypocrite and liar.
In each location she spends time in Dorothy learns more about herself and the world she lives in. Although her ideas and values have changed, societal norms for women and the daughter of clergymen leave her with few options. All the forms of pleasure and freedom she has found are deemed unacceptable.