Perspective

Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair during 1903 in India, traveled to England with his mother at an early age and received what was then considered an excellent education. He attended a small parish school prior to attending St. Cyprian's School for several years. His experiences at St. Cyprian's School are summarized in the essay Such, Such Were the Joys. . . Orwell then attended Wellington and Eton on scholarships. After school, he obtained employment with the Indian Imperial Police in Burma where he worked for several years, developing a hatred for imperialism. He then returned, briefly, to England and subsequently moved to Paris where he worked various odd jobs and attempted to establish himself as a writer. He then returned to England and, while staying at his parents' house, continued to work odd jobs and to write, enjoying some success.

From 1936 to 1937, he fought as an infantry soldier on the side...