Central to the novel is the symbolic aspidistra plant, representing middle-class respectability and the societal values Gordon despises yet cannot escape. As Gordon’s relationship with his girlfriend Rosemary becomes strained under the weight of his poverty and cynicism, he is forced to confront the consequences of his choices. Orwell masterfully examines the tension between artistic integrity and economic survival, offering a searing critique of the capitalist system and the compromises it demands from individuals.
*Keep the Aspidistra Flying* stands as a powerful commentary on the corrosive effects of poverty and the inescapable influence of money in modern life, capturing Orwell’s signature blend of sharp social critique and human empathy.
George Orwell (1903–1950) was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic, best known for his works *1984* and *Animal Farm*. His writings are marked by a deep concern for social justice, political oppression, and the individual’s struggle against societal conformity. In *Keep the Aspidistra Flying*, Orwell explores the impact of capitalism on personal integrity and artistic freedom, reinforcing his position as one of the most influential political and social commentators of the 20th century.