Discover The Intriguing Life Of George Orwell: Seven Fascinating Facts

George Orwell's work has profoundly influenced how we perceive ourselves and our governments. His insights into power dynamics and societal structures remain relevant today, showcasing the timelessness of his thoughts. Did you know that Orwell faced considerable challenges in his writing career, including struggles with publishing his most famous works? Let’s explore seven fascinating facts about his life that reveal the man behind the words.

His Real Name is Eric Blair

Many readers may not know that George Orwell was born as Eric Arthur Blair. From a young age, he had aspirations to be a well-known author. Initially, he wanted to publish under the name E.A. Blair, believing that the name Eric wasn't ideal for a writer. However, when he published his first book, Down and Out in Paris and London in 1933, he felt a complete pseudonym was necessary due to his family's background.

Orwell chose "George Orwell" as his pen name, alongside other options like P.S. Burton and Kenneth Miles. This decision was influenced by his desire to maintain a degree of privacy regarding his family, who were educated at Eton. He wanted to separate his literary career from his personal life to avoid any potential backlash or embarrassment.

He Was Spied On During the Spanish Civil War

Orwell's life was marked by the themes of surveillance and control, which he wrote about extensively. During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, Orwell experienced firsthand what it meant to be watched by the state. Biographer Gordon Bowker discovered that the Soviet Union had deployed an undercover agent to monitor Orwell and other leftist fighters.

While in Spain, Orwell's diaries were seized by secret police, likely ending up in the hands of the NKVD, the predecessor of the KGB. Unbeknownst to him, even his own government was keeping tabs on his activities, starting from his early writing endeavors in France. This close scrutiny highlights the dangerous political climate of the time and gives insight into Orwell's understanding of totalitarianism.

He Had Difficulties Publishing 'Animal Farm'

Orwell's literary journey was not without its challenges. His famous allegorical novella, Animal Farm, faced significant hurdles during its publication. Despite its eventual acclaim, in 1944, many publishers struggled to understand its message. For example, T.S. Eliot, a director at Faber and Faber, misinterpreted the story's core message, believing that the pigs were simply the best suited to lead the farm.

Furthermore, the political climate surrounding World War II made publishers hesitant. The Ministry of Information advised against antagonizing the Soviet Union, which was an ally at the time. After facing numerous rejections, Orwell finally found a publisher in Fredric Warburg's small press, and the book's success after its release in 1945 left many previous publishers regretting their decisions.

Ernest Hemingway Gave Him a Gun

During the tumultuous times of the Spanish Civil War, Orwell found himself in danger as Stalinist factions targeted the left-wing group he was part of, known as POUM. The threat to his safety was very real, leading him to seek protection. In 1945, while in Paris, he turned to fellow writer Ernest Hemingway for help.

Hemingway, who respected Orwell's work, provided him with a Colt .32 handgun. This act of camaraderie highlights the risks that Orwell faced as a writer during politically charged times. It remains unclear whether he ever had to use the weapon, but it symbolizes the dangers that many writers faced during periods of conflict.

He Was Friends with Aldous Huxley

Before both authors became literary legends in their own right, Orwell and Aldous Huxley crossed paths at Eton. Huxley, who taught French, often faced ridicule from students due to his poor eyesight. Orwell, however, respected Huxley and defended him, appreciating his teaching style.

Their friendship flourished through their mutual respect for literature. Orwell reviewed Huxley's Brave New World, praising it as an interesting take on a hedonistic future. In response, Huxley admired Orwell's work, particularly 1984, but offered a critical perspective on its themes of power and control.

He Sent the Government a List of People He Thought Were Communist Sympathizers

In May 1949, Orwell took a controversial step by sending a list of names to a friend at the Foreign Office, which was tasked with combating Soviet propaganda. This list contained 35 individuals he suspected of communist sympathies. Orwell justified this action by suggesting that it was wise to identify potentially unreliable individuals.

Despite his intentions to protect Britain from totalitarianism, this act is quite surprising coming from the author who conceptualized the idea of Big Brother. It raises questions about the balance between vigilance against threats and the potential for misuse of power in identifying dissenters.

He Died from Tuberculosis

Orwell's battle with tuberculosis was another tragic aspect of his life. In the 1940s, a cure existed in the form of streptomycin, which was available in the U.S. but not easily accessible in post-war Britain. Orwell managed to obtain this antibiotic in 1948, but unfortunately, he had a severe allergic reaction, which included painful symptoms that significantly affected his health.

His doctors, unfamiliar with the appropriate dosages of the new drug, were unable to provide him with the treatment he needed. After enduring distressing side effects, Orwell ultimately ceased treatment and succumbed to tuberculosis on January 21, 1950. His death marked the loss of a profound literary voice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate today.