Introduction

Abstract

In his introduction to Twentieth Century Interpretations of 1984, Samuel Hynes argues that Orwell’s texts construct ‘a Myth of the Proletariat’ and a‘Myth of the English People’.¹ This book explores these myths, and, in addition, what might be described as his ‘Myth of Masculinity’. These areas have been selected because they are the most prominent bases of community and, indeed, value in his work. Idealised images of the working class, the English and masculinity form the basis of many of his political ideas. These three categories, however, do not have an inherent significance, or indeed coherence, but potentially cover a multitude of distinct or even competing myths. ‘Masculinity’, for example, encompasses a variety of very different archetypes, from the ‘gentleman’ to the ‘worker’ or ‘breadwinner’. Orwell’s development of ‘positive’ myths, therefore, is not only a simple repetition of defined formations, but also an active process involving the selection, adaptation and deployment of a multitude of popular narratives and stereotypes. The idealised portrait of working-class men in The Road to Wigan Pier, for example, relies upon a network of established images that associate them with solidarity, courage, responsibility and, indeed, virile heterosexuality. It also, however, excludes other, more negative associations. It reinforces the notion that working-class men are characterised by physical courage, for example, but dismisses the equally widespread ideas that they are violent or stupid.² His texts both interpret and produce myths, defining the communities they ostensibly describe.