In George Orwell’s novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying, the protagonist Gordon Comstock struggles with his disdain for the materialistic society he lives in and his desire to pursue his artistic passions. Through an in-depth literary analysis, we will explore the themes of class, money, and creativity in the novel and how they reflect Orwell’s own views on society and the human condition.
Background and Context
George Orwell’s Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a novel that explores the themes of money, class, and the pursuit of happiness. Published in 1936, the novel is set in London during the interwar period, a time of economic depression and social upheaval. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling writer who works in a bookstore and is determined to live a life free from the constraints of money and materialism. However, his ideals are constantly challenged by the realities of his financial situation and the expectations of society. Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the struggle for individual freedom in a world that values conformity and material success.
The Main Characters
Gordon Comstock is the protagonist of Keep the Aspidistra Flying. He is a young man in his late twenties who works as a bookstore assistant. Gordon is a complex character who is disillusioned with the world around him. He is frustrated with his job, his social status, and his lack of success as a writer. Gordon is also deeply conflicted about money and the role it plays in his life. He believes that money is the root of all evil and that it is impossible to be both successful and morally upright. This belief leads him to reject the trappings of middle-class life and to live in poverty. However, as the novel progresses, Gordon begins to question his beliefs and to realize that his rejection of money has not brought him happiness or fulfillment.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Keep the Aspidistra Flying is the struggle between materialism and idealism. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling writer who despises the commercialization of art and the pursuit of money. He believes that true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved through the pursuit of one’s passions and ideals. However, he is constantly faced with the harsh reality of poverty and the need to make a living. This conflict is further highlighted by the presence of characters who embody both materialistic and idealistic values, such as Gordon’s girlfriend, Rosemary, and his friend, Ravelston. Another recurring motif in the novel is the aspidistra plant, which symbolizes the middle-class values that Gordon despises. The plant serves as a constant reminder of the societal pressures to conform and the struggle to maintain one’s ideals in the face of financial hardship. Overall, these themes and motifs contribute to the novel’s exploration of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that values material success above all else.
The Role of Money and Class
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell explores the role of money and class in society. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling poet who despises the materialistic values of the middle class. He believes that money corrupts people and that the pursuit of wealth is a waste of time. However, his own poverty and lack of success as a writer make him bitter and resentful towards those who have more money than him.
Orwell portrays the middle class as shallow and superficial, obsessed with status symbols and social climbing. They are portrayed as conformists who are afraid to challenge the status quo and who value money above all else. Gordon, on the other hand, sees himself as a rebel who refuses to be part of this world. He rejects the idea that success is measured by how much money one has and instead values artistic integrity and personal freedom.
However, as the novel progresses, Gordon’s ideals are challenged. He realizes that money is necessary to survive in the world and that his poverty is holding him back. He also begins to see that his own obsession with money and class is preventing him from living a fulfilling life. In the end, he comes to a compromise between his ideals and the reality of the world he lives in.
Overall, Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a critique of the materialistic values of the middle class and a reflection on the role of money and class in society. Orwell’s portrayal of Gordon’s struggle with these issues is both poignant and thought-provoking, making the novel a timeless exploration of the human condition.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and imagery play a significant role in George Orwell’s Keep the Aspidistra Flying. The novel is filled with various symbols and images that help to convey the themes and messages of the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the aspidistra plant, which represents the protagonist’s struggle with his own values and beliefs. The plant is a symbol of the middle-class values that Gordon Comstock despises, yet he cannot escape them. The aspidistra also represents the idea of conformity and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
Another important symbol in the novel is the pub, which represents the working-class culture that Gordon longs for. The pub is a place where Gordon feels at home, and it represents his desire to escape the middle-class world that he despises. The pub also represents the idea of community and the importance of social connections.
In terms of imagery, Orwell uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of atmosphere and mood throughout the novel. For example, the descriptions of the dingy boarding house where Gordon lives convey a sense of hopelessness and despair. The descriptions of the city streets and the people who inhabit them also create a sense of bleakness and isolation.
Overall, the symbolism and imagery in Keep the Aspidistra Flying help to deepen the themes and messages of the novel. They provide a rich and complex layer of meaning that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story and its characters.
The Use of Satire
Satire is a literary technique that George Orwell employs in Keep the Aspidistra Flying to criticize the society of his time. Through the use of humor, irony, and exaggeration, Orwell exposes the flaws and contradictions of the capitalist system and the middle-class values that dominate it. For example, the character of Gordon Comstock, a struggling poet who rejects the materialistic lifestyle of his peers, is a satirical representation of the romantic idealist who is unable to cope with the harsh realities of life. Similarly, the advertising slogans and jingles that pervade the novel are satirical commentaries on the manipulative power of consumer culture and the dehumanizing effects of mass media. By using satire, Orwell not only entertains his readers but also challenges them to question their own beliefs and values.
The Narrator’s Voice
The narrator’s voice in Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a crucial element in understanding the protagonist’s struggles and the overall themes of the novel. Orwell’s use of a third-person limited point of view allows the reader to see the world through Gordon Comstock’s eyes while also providing insight into his thoughts and emotions. The narrator’s voice is often cynical and satirical, reflecting the protagonist’s disillusionment with society and his own life. However, there are also moments of tenderness and empathy, particularly in the descriptions of Gordon’s relationships with his sister and his girlfriend, Rosemary. Overall, the narrator’s voice serves as a powerful tool in conveying the novel’s themes of class struggle, artistic integrity, and the search for meaning in a capitalist society.
The Role of Women in the Novel
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell portrays the role of women in the novel as limited and subservient to men. The female characters are often depicted as objects of desire or as caretakers for the male protagonist, Gordon Comstock. For example, Rosemary, Gordon’s girlfriend, is portrayed as a beautiful but shallow woman who is only interested in material possessions and social status. Similarly, Julia, Gordon’s coworker and love interest, is portrayed as a sexually liberated woman who is willing to engage in extramarital affairs with married men.
Furthermore, the novel highlights the societal expectations placed on women during the time period in which it was written. Women were expected to marry and have children, and their worth was often measured by their ability to fulfill these roles. This is exemplified through Gordon’s sister, who is portrayed as a traditional housewife and mother.
Overall, the role of women in Keep the Aspidistra Flying is limited and reinforces traditional gender roles. However, Orwell’s portrayal of these characters also serves as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women during the time period in which the novel was written.
The Significance of the Title
The title of a literary work is often the first thing that catches a reader’s attention. It sets the tone for the entire piece and can provide insight into the themes and motifs that will be explored. In the case of George Orwell’s Keep the Aspidistra Flying, the title holds significant meaning. The aspidistra, a common houseplant, represents the protagonist’s struggle with societal expectations and his desire to break free from the constraints of a materialistic world. The act of “keeping” the plant alive parallels Gordon Comstock’s own battle to maintain his integrity and ideals in a society that values money and success above all else. The title serves as a metaphor for the larger themes of the novel and highlights the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often values conformity over individuality.
The Novel’s Reception and Criticism
The reception and criticism of George Orwell’s Keep the Aspidistra Flying has been mixed since its publication in 1936. Some critics praised the novel for its portrayal of the struggles of the working class and the importance of money in society. Others, however, criticized the protagonist, Gordon Comstock, for his self-pity and lack of ambition. Some even accused Orwell of being too pessimistic and cynical in his portrayal of the world. Despite the mixed reviews, Keep the Aspidistra Flying remains a significant work in Orwell’s literary canon and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
The Relationship between Gordon and Rosemary
The relationship between Gordon Comstock and Rosemary Waterlow is a complex one, filled with both love and frustration. At the beginning of Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Gordon is infatuated with Rosemary, seeing her as a symbol of everything he desires but cannot have. He is drawn to her beauty and her carefree attitude, but also resents her for being part of the middle class he so despises.
As the novel progresses, Gordon and Rosemary’s relationship becomes more strained. Gordon’s obsession with money and his refusal to compromise his principles put a strain on their relationship, and Rosemary becomes increasingly frustrated with his stubbornness. Despite this, however, there are moments of tenderness between the two, such as when they dance together in a pub or when Rosemary tries to comfort Gordon after he loses his job.
Ultimately, Gordon and Rosemary’s relationship is a reflection of the larger themes of the novel: the struggle between individualism and conformity, the tension between love and money, and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that values material success above all else. Through their relationship, Orwell explores the complexities of human connection and the ways in which our desires and beliefs can both bring us together and tear us apart.
The Influence of Orwell’s Life on the Novel
George Orwell’s life experiences greatly influenced his novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, shares many similarities with Orwell himself. Both were struggling writers who worked in bookshops and had a disdain for the commercialization of literature. Additionally, both men had a complicated relationship with money and often found themselves in poverty.
Orwell’s own experiences with poverty and his disdain for the capitalist system are evident in the novel. The character of Gordon Comstock is constantly struggling to make ends meet and is frustrated by the societal pressure to conform to a materialistic lifestyle. This is a reflection of Orwell’s own beliefs about the corrupting influence of money on society.
Furthermore, Orwell’s time working in a bookshop is reflected in the novel’s portrayal of the publishing industry. The character of Ravelston, a successful writer and friend of Gordon’s, is a representation of the commercialization of literature. Ravelston is able to make a living off of his writing, but only by conforming to the expectations of publishers and writing what will sell. This is a commentary on the pressure that writers face to compromise their artistic integrity in order to make a living.
Overall, Orwell’s personal experiences and beliefs greatly influenced the themes and characters in Keep the Aspidistra Flying. The novel serves as a reflection of Orwell’s own struggles with poverty, his disdain for the capitalist system, and his belief in the importance of artistic integrity.
The Use of Irony
Irony is a literary device that is often used to convey a message or to create a humorous effect. In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell uses irony to criticize the society of his time. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling writer who despises the commercialization of art and the obsession with money. However, he finds himself working in an advertising agency, which goes against his principles. This is an example of situational irony, where the opposite of what is expected happens.
Orwell also uses verbal irony to mock the characters in the novel. For instance, Gordon’s girlfriend, Rosemary, is a shallow and materialistic woman who is obsessed with money. She often talks about the importance of being financially stable, but her actions contradict her words. This creates a humorous effect and highlights the hypocrisy of the character.
Furthermore, Orwell uses dramatic irony to create tension and suspense in the novel. The reader knows that Gordon is struggling financially and is unhappy with his life, but the other characters are unaware of his situation. This creates a sense of anticipation and makes the reader wonder how Gordon will resolve his problems.
In conclusion, the use of irony in Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a powerful tool that Orwell uses to criticize the society of his time and to create a humorous effect. The different types of irony used in the novel add depth and complexity to the characters and the plot, making it a compelling read.
The Novel’s Political Message
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell presents a scathing critique of the capitalist society of 1930s England. The novel’s protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling poet who despises the materialistic values of his society and refuses to compromise his artistic integrity for financial gain. Through Gordon’s experiences, Orwell exposes the oppressive nature of the capitalist system, which forces individuals to prioritize money over their passions and dreams.
Moreover, Orwell highlights the class divide in England, where the working class is exploited and the middle class is trapped in a cycle of consumerism. Gordon’s girlfriend, Rosemary, represents the middle class, who are obsessed with status symbols and social climbing. She is unable to understand Gordon’s rejection of money and his desire for a simpler life.
Orwell’s political message in Keep the Aspidistra Flying is clear: capitalism is a corrupt system that dehumanizes individuals and destroys their creativity. The novel is a call to action for readers to resist the pressures of consumerism and to prioritize their passions and values over money.
The Importance of Work and Labor
Work and labor are essential components of human life. They provide individuals with a sense of purpose, self-worth, and financial stability. In George Orwell’s Keep the Aspidistra Flying, the protagonist, Gordon Comstock, struggles with the idea of work and its importance in his life. He despises his job as a copywriter and dreams of becoming a poet, but his lack of financial stability prevents him from pursuing his passion.
Orwell’s novel highlights the societal pressure to conform to traditional notions of success, which often prioritize financial gain over personal fulfillment. Comstock’s disdain for his job reflects the dissatisfaction many individuals feel when they are forced to work in a field that does not align with their passions or values.
However, the novel also emphasizes the importance of work in providing individuals with a sense of purpose and self-worth. Comstock’s lack of financial stability and inability to pursue his passion leads to a sense of hopelessness and despair. It is only when he begins to take pride in his work and finds a sense of purpose in it that he begins to feel a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, Keep the Aspidistra Flying highlights the complex relationship between work, passion, and personal fulfillment. While it is important to pursue one’s passions, it is also important to find meaning and purpose in the work that one does. Work provides individuals with a sense of identity and self-worth, and it is essential for personal and societal growth.
The Novel’s Depiction of London
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell paints a vivid picture of London in the 1930s. The city is depicted as a place of stark contrasts, with the wealthy living in luxury while the working class struggle to make ends meet. The novel’s protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a struggling writer who is determined to reject the materialistic values of society and live a life of poverty. As he navigates the streets of London, he encounters a variety of characters who represent different aspects of the city’s social hierarchy. From the wealthy patrons of the bookshop where he works to the destitute residents of the slums, Orwell’s London is a place of stark inequality and social injustice. Through his depiction of the city, Orwell highlights the challenges faced by those who reject the status quo and seek to live a life outside of society’s norms.
The Role of Religion and Spirituality
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, George Orwell explores the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of his characters. The protagonist, Gordon Comstock, is a staunch atheist who rejects the idea of God and the afterlife. He sees religion as a tool used by the ruling class to keep the working class in line. However, his girlfriend, Rosemary, is a devout Christian who finds solace in her faith.
Through their contrasting beliefs, Orwell highlights the tension between reason and faith, and the different ways in which people cope with the hardships of life. While Gordon sees religion as a crutch, Rosemary finds comfort in the idea of a higher power and the promise of an afterlife.
Orwell also explores the role of spirituality in the pursuit of artistic expression. Gordon, who is a struggling poet, sees his art as a form of spiritual expression. He believes that poetry has the power to transcend the material world and connect him with something greater than himself.
Overall, Orwell’s exploration of religion and spirituality in Keep the Aspidistra Flying adds depth and complexity to his characters, and raises important questions about the nature of faith and its role in human life.
The Novel’s Ending and Ambiguity
The ending of Keep the Aspidistra Flying is one of the most debated aspects of the novel. Some readers find it satisfying, while others find it frustratingly ambiguous. The novel ends with Gordon Comstock, the protagonist, deciding to return to his old job at an advertising agency. This decision is surprising, given that throughout the novel, Gordon has been fiercely opposed to the world of advertising and consumerism. However, the ending is not as straightforward as it may seem.
On one hand, Gordon’s decision to return to his old job can be seen as a defeat. He has failed to live up to his ideals and has given in to the pressures of society. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a pragmatic decision. Gordon realizes that he cannot continue to live in poverty and that he needs a steady income to support himself and his girlfriend, Rosemary.
The ambiguity of the ending is further heightened by the fact that Gordon’s decision is not explicitly explained. The reader is left to interpret his motives and feelings. Some readers may see Gordon’s decision as a sign of maturity and growth, while others may see it as a betrayal of his principles.
Overall, the ending of Keep the Aspidistra Flying is a testament to Orwell’s skill as a writer. He leaves the reader with a complex and thought-provoking conclusion that invites multiple interpretations.