On Orwell and Language

"The writer either has a meaning and cannot express it, or he inadvertently says something else, or he is almost indifferent as to whether his words mean anything or not. This mixture of vagueness and sheer incompetence is the most marked characteristic of modern English prose...the concrete melts into the abstract and no one seems able to think of turns of speech that are not hackneyed: prose consists less and less of words chosen for the sake of their meaning, and more and more of phrases tacked together like the sections of a prefabricated henhouse."

George Orwell expressed these thoughts sixty years ago in "Politics and the English Language." To what extent do his words apply today? Also, in trying to avoid your own essays reading like his "prefabricated henhouse," how helpful do you find the questions he poses and the rules for writing he suggests in his essay?
ProfC

Langer, Art, and You

Please post a reflection on one way in which a concept or a sentence in Suzanne Langer's "The Cultural Importance of Art" reflects, enlightens, or contradicts your experience. Select a sentence in the essay, analyze it, and respond to it with specific reference to your own life.

Have fun!
ProfC

Essay idea from a student in 112-55

I was listening to the radio on my way to work and thought of a decent thesis for those interested in using music. I'm a firm believer in what Frank Zappa thinks when he commented to congress in the 80's, "I wrote a song about dental floss but did anyone's teeth get cleaner?" If you don't feel this way, a good thesis would be on how the artistic differences of metal and hard rock can induce negative action. This can be explored through rhythms, subliminal messages, lyrics, and how each caused some effect in individuals. Just an idea.

posted by SCSU_student

FYI: links to "art-icles" and related sites

http://www.alternativemuseum.org/
http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm
http://www.southernct.edu/~hochman/Graffitilegend.htm
http://www.southernct.edu/~hochman/Prisongoodforwriting.htm
http://www.southernct.edu/~hochman/Videogamemusicians
http://www.southernct.edu/~hochman/WLAinterviewCHE
http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1559.htm
http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1841.htm
http://www.southernct.edu/~hochman/Powerofimagery.htm