Orwell vs Strunk & White: Perspectives on Writing

“The Elements of Style” by Strunk & White and Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language” discuss proper writing approaches. Orwell examines the overall issues with modern discourse. In contrast, Strunk & White gives specific techniques for improving writing skills. Nevertheless, both agree on a similar sentiment on the importance of concreteness in writing and avoiding vague writing to communicate ideas clearly. Moreover, both works suggest avoiding needless words. Strunk & White feel concrete language is more vivid for the reader by using words that evoke images. Similarly, Orwell highlights the importance of eliciting images, specifically how newly created metaphors have this effect compared to overused phrases. Additionally, the authors agree that the writer should use active voice over passive voice. Strunk & White claim that the active voice is more direct and vigorous than the passive voice. Although Strunk & White’s book gives practical writing advice while Orwell analyzes the implications of language in political writing, both highlight the importance of clarity in writing and steering away from language that obscures the meaning and purpose of the writing.