George Orwell Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eric Blair

Born as Eric Arthur Blair he changed his name (allegedly because he was concerned for his parent's reputation) to George Orwell. "George" was taken from the King and "Orwell" from the river of that name. In researching this quiz one of my sources of information was the 2003 BBC Television documentary on George Orwell. I am grateful to the BBC for their added help. Also, I am grateful to Penguin books for their publications of George Orwell's books and the information that they contain.

Answer: 1950

He died at the age of 46, and suffered health problems from tuberculosis during his life, and was hospitalized a number of times from 1947 onwards with tuberculosis.

Answer: studying law at the Inns of Court in London

Orwell had a very varied experience of life and literally rose from the gutter (where he sunk and seemed to gain from the experience) to succeed as an author. Another big influence on him was being beaten as a young person at boarding school for something he could not avoid doing. Thus being seen as evil through no fault of his own.

Answer: shot by a bullet through the neck

Apparently, the bullet passed right through his neck and just missed an artery. He was already weak from tuberculosis and so spent a great deal of time recovering.

Answer: the Home Guard

He was rejected by the army on health grounds. He hoped initially for a political role for the Home Guard. He then worked for the BBC Eastern Service from 1940 to 1943. He did not like the job working in the Ministry of Information (at the BBC) and felt that in producing information about the war that truth was not essential. He resigned in 1943 to go back to being a writer.

Answer: 1974

"Animal Farm" was eventually published in 1945, and with the growing "Cold War" with Eastern Europe it became a best seller. "1984" was finished just before his death. "The Road to Wigan Pier" was an earlier success in his life in 1935, and includes Orwell's account of his first journey down a coal mine.

Answer: Revolution by animals on a farm that goes sour with corruption

"Animal Farm" is an allegorical satire of the Russian Revolution of October 1917 and, above all, of how things went badly wrong under Stalin in the Soviet Union.

Answer: an individual's unsuccessful fight against an all powerful regime

The Party was all powerful and literally watched over Winston Smith's (and everyone's) every move and even his thoughts. He tries to rebel and escape, but the Party drag him back and re-indoctrinate him into the system. Written over 50 years ago the more astute social observer may see some evidence today of where Orwell thought we were heading.

Answer: Spin Doctor

Yes, George Orwell was very far sighted in the view of many critics, but he never actually used the words "Spin Doctor." However, the concept of spin doctors is something that Orwell clearly foretold.

Orwell is often erroneously credited with inventing the term 'Thought Police'. In fact, this term was used for Japan's Special Higher Police, which operated from 1910-45.

Answer: all of them

He was Literary Editor of Tribune and was the Observer's War correspondent. He also contributed regularly to the Manchester Evening News later in his life.