AP Worthy?

It is safe to say that 1984 by George Orwell is far from the other books our AP English class has read this year.  Primarily because of the difference in writing style which I have discussed in a previous blog post.  However, despite the differences, I wholeheartedly believe that 1984 is worthy of AP merit.
George Orwell's simplistic writing style does not poorly affect the novel, but enhances it.  The simplicity contributes to Orwell's tone as a writer and the environment/setting of the book.  The effect of Orwell's writing style is similar to Joseph Addison's style in the passage from The Spectator that we analyzed in class.  The passage is a mock-journal entry from an unknown character that describes their daily routine.  In this passage, the straight forward descriptions and static syntax help to characterize the owner of the journal.  From the simplicity we learn how ordinary, routine, and bland the character's life is.  This technique is also used in 1984.  The stagnant use of diction, syntax, and tone create a stagnant setting in the story.  The society of Oceania is orthodox, never changing, and indifferent.  And thanks to the inactive setting, the reader can easily recognize the significant contrast between the environment and Winston.  Therefore, Orwell's writing style is beneficial to setting development and characterization.
Upon researching George Orwell, I found an essay he wrote that criticizes techniques used in works of literature in his lifetime.  The essay is called: Politics and the English Language.  What I found interesting was Orwell's six tips for all writers who share his view on style:
"1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6.  Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous." (Orwell)
After finishing 1984, I can confidently say that Orwell followed each and everyone of these rules for the entirety of the novel.  Simple and to the point, with no excessive imagery or detail.

Despite his simple writing style, Orwell does not shy from symbolism.  There is always a deeper meaning beneath the surface.  For example, many objects in the novel were used to symbolize the past, or the importance of the past:
-The paper weight that Winston bought from an antique store that had no use to him.  But, Winston held onto it and treasured its existence.
-The excerpts of songs and rhymes that held no meaning to Winston, except the fact that they were forbidden, from a time before Big Brother and therefore a connection to the past.
-The journal that Winston used to write all his rebellious thoughts in, which of course was illegal due to the rebellion and the act of writing.
These examples are just a few objects that Orwell used to symbolize the importance of the past, something Big Brother wanted to destroy.  And because they represent the past, they also represent nonconformity as well, which is a major theme throughout the story.

As a whole, 1984 is an allegory that portrays the dangers of oppressive governments.  The allegory relies on George Orwell's simple writing style, symbolism, and perfectly crafted irony.  Like any well written book, the reader walks away from 1984 with a central message.  This novel has the ability to make you critically think about yourself and your society, you become an active reader rather than a passive one.  This book, for me, has successfully sparked discussions, debates, and further research. For all these reasons, I believe the novel 1984 is AP worthy.

Link to George Orwell's essay