Many authors will criticize the use of English in modern times to the fullest extent possible to make sure that their writing is perfect. David Foster Wallace & George Orwell both criticize English literature today and provide solutions to the common literary errors they see. Orwell’s ‘Politics and the English Language’ focuses primarily on the importance and dangers of not writing in an easy, straightforward way. Wallace, on the other, talks about the Usage Wars and emphasizes the importance of credibility and authority in writing. Both authors agree that English literature has many flaws, but their styles are different and their critiques are very different. Orwell and Wallace are therefore unlikely to agree about the most common literary errors or the methods necessary to fix them.
Orwell mentions in his essay the following bad habits: the use of dying analogies, operators/verbal fake limbs and pretentious diction. He says these bad habits have caused the decline, as they complicate writings that could easily be simplified. “I have tried to demonstrate that modern writing is not about picking words out for their meaning, and creating images to make it clearer. It consists of gluing long strips of already-arranged words together and presenting the result with a lot of humbug. It is very easy to do. Once you’ve gotten into the habit, saying In my view it is a not unreasonable assumption is easier than saying I think. When you use phrases that are already prepared, you don’t even have to think about rhythms, because they are usually set up in a way to make them sound more or less melodious. He criticizes English today by stating that many writers use common phrases or words, which have been used previously by other people, because it is easier and quicker than having to think. Orwell advocates clear writing, but this can lead to a written piece that is disorganized. Orwell mentions insincerity as a reason for clear writing. Orwell says that insincerity is a major enemy to clear language. Insincerity is the greatest enemy of clear language.
Orwell is convinced that English has a chance to be saved. He lists six things that he believes will help improve English in most situations. This list includes: i. Never use any metaphors, similes or other figures of speech that you see in print. ii. Use a shorter word when a longer one is available. If you can, cut the word. iv. Use the active whenever possible. Never use an unfamiliar phrase, scientific term, or jargon word when there is a more common English equivalent. vi. “It’s better to break one of these rules than say something truly barbarous”
Orwell does not think that writing will change immediately because people have “grown used to writing in the style now fashionable.” Orwell thinks that people’s writing won’t change instantly because they are used to the current style. Orwell believes that writing will become more unique with these changes.
Wallace, in contrast to Orwell’s essay, does not seem as concerned with the clarity of his writing. Instead he is focused on drawing a distinct line between ethics and usage, which is the cause of the “Usage War.” The Usage War is the battle between two writing styles that are completely opposites: Prescriptivism, or SNOOTs (usage), and Descriptivism, (ethics). Wallace labels Prescriptives, or “linguistic conservatives,” as Wallace who believes there should be rules that determine what is right and wrong in English usage. Meanwhile, Descriptivists have been labeled “linguistic liberals” because they don’t believe in guidelines that define what is right and wrong, but instead favor ethics over logic. Wallace thinks that in order to solve this problem of ethics and usage, you need to establish credibility. This will give you authority over readers. Garner’s Dictionary of Modern American Usage is a masterpiece that resolves Usage Wars Crisis of Authority. Garner has mastered the art of controlling the presence and appeals in rhetorical arguments so well that it appears that he is able, not only to tell the truth but also to do so in a way which does not undermine his credibility but rather enhances it. “In fact, an important part of any modern usage dictionary’s project will be to establish authority. It may seem obvious, but Garner is the first to recognize that lexicographers must be accurate, comprehensive and credible. Wallace’s point is that, without unquestionable Authority in language and in the face of a lack of authority, the reader has to be persuaded, or even moved, to trust a dictionary. Garner has done this by creating a dictionary that is credible enough to cause the reader’s work to be believed.
Orwell’s problem with modern writing is described in this passage: “the writer either has a meaning and cannot express it, or he accidentally says something else, or he is almost indifferent as to whether his words mean anything or not.” Orwell’s issue with modern writing can be described as follows: “the writer has a message but cannot convey it, he accidentally says something different, or is indifferent to whether or not his words have any meaning.” Orwell claims that the problem stems from the writer being unable to communicate his point clearly. Wallace believes that the greatest problem is “The Usage War,” or the struggle to gain writing authority. Garner uses subtle rhetoric to target and contextualize these Wars in A Dictionary of Modern American Usage. It’s hard to explain how Garner can be both clever and sneaky.
Orwell and Wallace are two authors who both criticize the contemporary English language usage. But they have very different opinions and would disagree on the problems and the solutions. Wallace devoted the majority of his paper on Usage Wars. Orwell emphasized writing clearly.
