The essay “Why I Write” by George Orwell is his self-examination, his personal self-awareness in which Orwell explores personal reasons as to why he became a writer. He analyzes his own road to becoming a writer and shares other writers’ reasons for writing their works. Although writers have many motives for writing, one of the reasons expressed in”Why I Write” was a motive referred to as sheer egoism.
Orwell explains sheer egoism as a way people write to “seem clever, to be talked about, to be remembered after death, to get your own back on the grown-ups who snubbed you in childhood, etc..” (Kottke, 2007, 1) These writers appear to be vain, vengeful or self-centred. This ideology provides a great motive for promoting your self or exacting revenge on those who have conspired against you. Several writers such as the famous Mark Twain and unknowns such as Arthur C.Clarke and Giles Turnbull are individuals who appear self-involved or egotistical in their writing but are individuals with good natures who explore their relationships, their livelihoods, their history seen through their eyes within their writing.
Sheer Egoism – Why I Write
Orwell indicates that this motive exists mainly in young writers. They are writers who are inspired by their own interests, their own personal development and their own desires. It also exists in serious writers and those who are not interested in monetary gains. I believe that I fall into this category of individuals motivated to write. When I reached young adulthood, I knew that I had a story to tell and that I could inspire others. I also knew that I had a flair for words and that it could be used for reaching out to others while combating my own failures with everyday life.
I was a child raised by strict parents who unknowingly put me down in and effort to lift me up. My flaws were often recognized and chastised however I believe their unrelenting efforts to force me to recognize them was their way of encouraging me to change. As a young adult, self-doubt and fear of failure constantly entangled my every move and prevented my growth both mentally and through my writings. Nevertheless while analyzing the volume of serious writings which I produced during my teenage and young adulthood years, I realized I was trying to understand the intricacies of our relationship, condemn them for their harshness all the while releasing the frustration and anger that was deeply embedded within me.
Some people may say that my motive for writing was purely selfish, that in the end it benefited me and no one else. After all, through the play on words, I was able to condemn my parents for all of their wrong doings, make a connection to my own failures while sharing my misfortunes with the world at large. This motive, although unintentional, falls in line with my writing style.
In sheer egoism, one should not look at the actual writing but rather at the aim. Although my writing may benefit others, my intentions are purely for self-interest. For I have found refuge in my imagination, in my private world. Through my writings, I can be whoever it is I want to be, settle old scores and condemn those who have inflicted infractions upon me. I agree with George Orwell’s concept of sheer egoism and profess although unwillfully for me, nevertheless it is a valid motive for one to write.
Source:
Kottke, Jason. Why He Writes. Kottke.org. 03/17/2003. (Accessed 9/20/2010)
Tasha Kelley - By day, I am employed as a school psychologist who works with and assesses children with special needs. I have been blessed with a ...
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