Questions on Rhetoric and Style

1. What is Orwell’s thesis? Does he actually state it, or is it implied?

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is Orwell’s thesis? Does he actually state it, or is it implied?
2. How effective is Orwell’s analogy of the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language (para. 2)?

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How effective is Orwell’s analogy of the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language (para. 2)?
3. In each of the following paragraphs—paragraphs 4, 5, 12, 15, and 16—Orwell uses at least one metaphor or simile. Identify each figure of speech. Then explain how it works and whether you find it rhetorically effective.

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In each of the following paragraphs—paragraphs 4, 5, 12, 15, and 16—Orwell uses at least one metaphor or simile. Identify each figure of speech. Then explain how it works and whether you find it rhetorically effective.
4. Orwell develops his ideas through extensive use of examples. Try rewriting paragraph 5, 6, 7, or 8 without examples. How does the effect of the paragraph change?

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Orwell develops his ideas through extensive use of examples. Try rewriting paragraph 5, 6, 7, or 8 without examples. How does the effect of the paragraph change?
5. What is the purpose of the additional information provided in Orwell’s footnotes for paragraphs 7 and 8? Why do you think Orwell chose to put the information in footnotes rather than in the main text?

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the purpose of the additional information provided in Orwell’s footnotes for paragraphs 7 and 8? Why do you think Orwell chose to put the information in footnotes rather than in the main text?
6. Orwell wrote this essay before he was well known for his novels. He uses the first person, yet he does not directly state his qualifications to speak on language. How does he establish ethos? Should he have been more direct?

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Orwell wrote this essay before he was well known for his novels. He uses the first person, yet he does not directly state his qualifications to speak on language. How does he establish ethos? Should he have been more direct?
7. How would you describe the overall organization of this essay? Examine its movement, from the examples in the opening to the rules near the ending.

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How would you describe the overall organization of this essay? Examine its movement, from the examples in the opening to the rules near the ending.
8. What is Orwell’s purpose in writing this essay? How might the historical context of post–World War II affect that purpose? Cite specific passages to support your response.

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is Orwell’s purpose in writing this essay? How might the historical context of post–World War II affect that purpose? Cite specific passages to support your response.
9. How would you describe the tone of Orwell’s essay? Can you sum it up in one word, or does the essay range from one tone to another? Cite specific passages to support your response.

   Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How would you describe the tone of Orwell’s essay? Can you sum it up in one word, or does the essay range from one tone to another? Cite specific passages to support your response.
10. Find examples in the essay where Orwell is guilty of the four faults that characterize the writing he is criticizing.

    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Find examples in the essay where Orwell is guilty of the four faults that characterize the writing he is criticizing.