George Orwell was a famous English novelist, journalist, essayist and critic. Long after his writing days, his lucid works are still known for addressing issues such as societal injustices, democratic socialism, and totalitarianism. Orwell, who is also famous for writing the best-selling allegorical novel Farm Animal, also has a fair amount of fiction and non-fiction, poetry, and polemical journalism to his credit.
His works strongly supporting democracy and socialism influencing various political cultures, the term “Orwellian” has been used to describe a situation in society that totally destroys the well-being of a free and open society. Decades after the critic’s death, his works continue to prevail both in the literary world and in the global political system. Here are some facts to know about George Orwell.
5 surprising facts about George Orwell
1. George Orwell is his pen name
It might come as quite a surprise to many readers of George Orwell’s books to understand that the name by which he is widely known is not his real name but just a pseudonym. The writer is one of many personalities whose pseudonyms have entirely eclipsed their real name. Orwell’s real name is Eric Arthur Blair. He was born on June 25, 1903 into what he describes as a lower and upper middle class family residing in Motihari, Bihar, British India. Being born when India was still part of the British Empire, Eric could be described as a British citizen.
The writer chose the name George Orwell in honor of the River Orwell located in Suffolk, England. He also thought the name would be more accepted than his original name. Before choosing his pen name, George considered using names such as Charles Chaplin, H. Lewis Allways, Kenneth Miles and PS Burton.
2. He was a prankster
The English novelist is one of many famous artistic personalities whose childhood exploits are a far cry from their adult personalities. The Motihari native is known not only for making fun of his classmates but also his teachers. Even his school performance report suggested he cared less about his academics.
Orwell was first sent to a convent in Henley-on-Thames before transferring to St Cyprian’s School, Eastbourne, East Sussex. Although he never liked school, he studied there for five years and to express how much he disliked school, he wrote an essay which he titled “Such, Such Were the joys” and in which he revealed his mind about the owners of the school. attitude towards students. He also described the institution as expensive and snobby. Unfortunately, this essay was not published until 18 years after his death on January 21, 1950.
Moreso, while Orwell was studying under a pastry chef at school, he was expelled for attaching a dead rat to his birthday message to the town surveyor. Even when he was at Eton College, Orwell rose to prominence by writing a song about his school’s landlord, John Crace. The lyrics of the song had made fun of her appearance and her penchant for Italian art.
3. George Orwell was an atheist
Although he held to Christian traditions and morality, particularly that of the Church of England, George Orwell rarely believed in the existence of God. On the other hand, he believed in black magic. He even got his fingers tattooed with little blue circles just to stave off bad luck.
4. He volunteered to fight i n the Spanish Civil War
Like many with left-wing apprenticeships, Orwell involved himself in the Spanish Civil War and by this time fascism was widespread across Europe. He joined the fight to fight widespread fascism under the Republican militia. While fighting, he received a sniper shot in the neck but survived. He later detailed his experience of the war in his book entitled Tribute to Catalonia
5. He had many mistresses
We know that George Orwell was married twice with his first wife was Eileen Blair (1936-1945) and his second wife, Sonia Orwell (1949-1950). However, when he gained fame, he turned out to be a female womanizer, having many girlfriends, lovers, and friends with benefits. His wives, especially Eileen, cared less because they had an open marriage. Despite his multiple relationships, he never had children, not because he was medically sterile, but he still believed himself to be. While still married to Eileen, they both adopted a baby they named Richard Horatio Blair. Orwell also has a goat he adored so much, he named her Muriel.