A.P. English- George Orwell Critizism
George Orwell uses the example of Mohandas Gandhi to attempt to make an argument on why human beings should avoid sainthood and just accept “imperfection”, because when it comes down to it, every human being is imperfect. Orwell develops his own position on this theory through an open minded tone; this is a very smart move on his part because this draws the reader in and makes them want to consider what he has to say because he is isn’t completely denying Gandhi’s point of view all the supporters of Gandhi are willing to listen to him. While Orwell is criticizing Gandhi some of the details he includes about him aren’t necessarily fair, he proceeds to state the more inhumane things Gandhi has done in his life, when he should also be taking into consideration the wide collection of amazing things Gandhi has done for society, and it is these things that give him a life of “sainthood”. However, some of the points that Orwell makes help his own position on the topic develop. He now has sufficient proof that along with sainthood comes sacrifices. Gandhi was willing to let his wife or children die rather than administer the animal based food prescribed by the doctor (14-16), some people may see this as strongly adhering to one’s beliefs but Orwell see’s this act as being inhumane. Orwell also seems to believe that the essence of being human is to accept imperfection and not seek to achieve it (28-29), Gandhi clearly seemed to seek perfection in his life and this is why he is classified as the “saint” that people all around the world recognize him as today, however, for most human beings, sainthood is something that most cannot handle. Human beings are a species that are trained to have emotions towards each other, even the most basic of emotions, which has been felt since the beginning of life, love… with love comes the attachment to other human beings, and this in essence develops relationships and a dependency upon others that Orwell feels is being “imperfect”.