"Keep the Aspidistra Flying" Summary

Introduction

"Keep the Aspidistra Flying" is a novel by George Orwell, the renowned British author best known for his dystopian works such as "1984" and "Animal Farm". Published in 1936, this novel explores themes of class struggle, materialism, and the pursuit of artistic integrity in a capitalist society. Set in 1930s London, the story follows the life of Gordon Comstock, an aspiring poet who rejects the trappings of conventional success and embarks on a quest for personal freedom and creative expression.

Brief Synopsis

The novel is set amidst the backdrop of London in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. Gordon Comstock, the protagonist, is a disillusioned and discontented young man who works as a bookstore assistant and dreams of becoming a poet. Frustrated by what he perceives as the soul-crushing influence of money and materialism, Gordon decides to renounce the "money-god" by quitting his job and living a life of poverty.

Gordon's decision to reject material comfort and embrace poverty is met with disapproval by his girlfriend, Rosemary, who wants a stable and secure life. Despite their differences, she loves Gordon and is torn between her affection for him and her desire for financial stability.

As Gordon struggles to make ends meet, he faces the harsh realities of poverty and finds it increasingly difficult to pursue his passion for poetry. He faces rejection after rejection from publishers and lives in squalid conditions, constantly battling his own internal conflicts. Over time, Gordon's idealism is gradually eroded, giving way to a profound sense of disillusionment and frustration.

As the story progresses, Gordon's relationship with Rosemary becomes strained, primarily due to their opposing views on money and success. Rosemary eventually leaves Gordon and marries a wealthy man. This further amplifies Gordon's feelings of failure and alienation.

Main Characters

Character	Description
Gordon Comstock	The protagonist, an aspiring poet who rejects societal norms for the pursuit of artistic integrity.
Rosemary Waterlow	Gordon's girlfriend who desires financial stability and disapproves of his rejection of materialism.
Ravelston	Gordon's friend and a successful writer who acts as a contrast to Gordon's ideals.
Julia	A fellow bookstore employee who becomes a romantic interest for Gordon.
Mr. McKechnie	Gordon's hypocritical and exploitative boss at the bookstore.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: The Sacrifice

The novel opens with Gordon Comstock reflecting on his decision to abandon his well-paying job to pursue a career as a poet. He moves into a dingy room and starts to experience the harsh realities of poverty.

Chapter 2: The Money-God

Gordon attends a party where he witnesses the lavish lifestyle of the upper class. This experience reaffirms his belief that money is the root of societal corruption and resolves to resist its temptations.

Chapter 3: The Love Song of Dorothy Gish

Gordon's relationship with Rosemary gets strained as he struggles to make ends meet. He attends a poetry society meeting where he learns about the commercialization of poetry, further fueling his disdain for the materialistic world.

Chapter 4: The Love Song of Gordon Comstock

Gordon starts working at a second-rate advertising agency to support himself financially, despite hating the job. He feels trapped in a cycle of compromising his principles for survival.

Chapter 5: The Good Comrade

Gordon reunites with Ravelston, a friend who has achieved success as a writer. Ravelston represents the antithesis of Gordon's ideals, as he compromises his artistic integrity for financial stability. Their contrasting views create tension within their friendship.

Chapter 6: The Morning After

Rosemary leaves Gordon and marries a wealthy man. This event deeply affects Gordon, reinforcing his feelings of insignificance and failure.

Chapter 7: The Ivory Tower

Gordon's relationship with Julia, a fellow bookstore employee, starts to develop. However, his fear of emotional intimacy and his preoccupation with his art hinder the progression of their relationship.

Chapter 8: The Burden

Gordon becomes increasingly disillusioned with his pursuit of poetry, feeling unappreciated and rejected by publishers. He begins to question whether artistic integrity is worth the sacrifices he has made.

Chapter 9: The Barren Land

Gordon's financial situation worsens as he sinks into deeper poverty. He contemplates giving up on his dreams of becoming a poet and succumbing to societal expectations.

Chapter 10: The Escape

Gordon, overwhelmed by his failures, decides to leave London and escape to the countryside. He hopes that a change of scenery will reignite his passion for poetry and provide him with a fresh start.

Main Events

• Gordon Comstock quits his well-paying job to pursue a career as a poet.
• Gordon rejects materialism and embraces poverty as a means of asserting his artistic integrity.
• Gordon's relationship with Rosemary deteriorates due to their differing views on money and success.
• Gordon experiences poverty and struggles to make ends meet.
• Gordon becomes increasingly disillusioned and questions the worth of his pursuit of poetry.
• Rosemary leaves Gordon and marries a wealthy man, intensifying Gordon's feelings of failure.
• Gordon's friendship with Ravelston becomes strained due to their conflicting views on artistic integrity.
• Gordon's relationship with Julia develops but is hindered by his fear of emotional intimacy.
• Gordon contemplates giving up on his dreams of becoming a poet and succumbing to societal expectations.
• Overwhelmed by his failures, Gordon decides to escape to the countryside in the hopes of rejuvenating his passion for poetry.

Themes and Insights

• Class Struggle: The novel explores the tension between the working class and the upper class, highlighting the social and economic inequalities prevalent during the Great Depression.
• Materialism vs. Artistic Integrity: Gordon's rejection of materialism and pursuit of artistic integrity serves as a commentary on the corrupting influence of money in society and the sacrifices required to maintain artistic ideals.
• Alienation and Disillusionment: Gordon's disillusionment with society and his struggles as an artist lead to feelings of alienation and despair. The novel delves into the psychological toll of pursuing unconventional paths.
• The Destructive Influence of Poverty: While Gordon seeks poverty as a way to reclaim his artistic integrity, the novel portrays the adverse effects of poverty on his physical and mental well-being, highlighting the challenges faced by those who reject the conventional pursuit of financial stability.

Reader's Takeaway

"Keep the Aspidistra Flying" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the tension between personal ideals and societal expectations. It challenges readers to reflect on the sacrifices and compromises one must make to pursue their passions while grappling with the allure of material success.

The novel serves as a reminder of the power of money and its role in shaping one's identity and choices. It invites readers to question the nature of success and the true value of artistic pursuits in a capitalist society.

Conclusion

"Keep the Aspidistra Flying" is a captivating and introspective novel that delves into the themes of class struggle, materialism, and the pursuit of artistic integrity. Orwell's exploration of Gordon Comstock's journey as he rejects societal norms and grapples with the consequences invites readers to reflect on their own values and aspirations. With its nuanced characters and rich storytelling, the novel remains a timeless exploration of the human condition and the challenges of navigating a capitalist world.