In this passage from his essay “Inside the Whale,” George Orwell discusses the sociological meaning of literary style. He argues that a writer’s political and social beliefs can be seen in their writing, even if they are not explicitly stated. He uses the example of William Butler Yeats, whose poetry he believes is “artificial” and “affected” because it reflects his own elitist and reactionary views.
What is the sociological meaning of literary style?
How can a writer’s political and social beliefs be seen in their writing?
What are some examples of how Yeats’s poetry reflects his own beliefs?
The sociological meaning of literary style is the way in which a writer’s political and social beliefs are reflected in their writing. A writer’s political and social beliefs can be seen in their writing through their choice of words, imagery, and themes. Some examples of how Yeats’s poetry reflects his own beliefs include his use of archaisms and affected turns of speech, as well as his focus on themes of tradition, elitism, and nationalism.