Similarities between Tolkien and Orwell

Superficially, Tolkien and Orwell pose in opposition: Tolkien the devout Catholic buried in English origins, Orwell the committed Socialist unraveling English outcomes. But much was shared, writes Darcy Moore, in abstract and detail alike.

· hatred of authoritarianism
· deep concern over the corruption of language and politics by lies, propaganda and poor writing
· propensity to value clarity of language and honesty of intentions
· vehement rejection of totalitarianism of any hue, left or right
· genuine belief in equality and democracy
· love of private life and all its pleasures and joys
· distaste for supervision and intrusion

Lidless eyes, all the way down. — Read the rest