Keep the Aspidistra Flying summary

The Aspidistra's Symbolism

In Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell, the story revolves around Gordon Comstock, an aspiring poet who despises the middle-class values and the capitalist society. Gordon's hatred for money and his disdain for the middle-class lifestyle are personified by his deep-seated hatred for the aspidistra, a common houseplant that, in his mind, symbolizes everything he despises about the bourgeois society.

Gordon, who works in a bookstore, struggles to make ends meet and is constantly at odds with his girlfriend, Rosemary, who belongs to the middle-class that he detests. His refusal to earn a decent living leads to financial struggles and a series of humiliations, but Gordon remains steadfast in his belief that he can only find true happiness by rejecting societal norms.

The Struggle Against Capitalism

The novel portrays Gordon's struggle against the capitalist society, where, in his view, money is the root of all evil. He believes that by rejecting money and living in poverty, he can maintain his integrity and remain true to his artistic calling. He quits his job and embarks on a life of poverty, moving into a squalid room in a seedy part of London, where he plans to write poetry and live off the grid.

However, his idealistic vision of a poverty-stricken, bohemian lifestyle is quickly shattered by the harsh realities of his situation. He finds himself constantly hungry, cold, and unable to focus on his writing. His relationship with Rosemary also suffers, as she struggles to understand and support his extreme views.

The Realities of Poverty

As the story progresses, Gordon's life of poverty becomes increasingly unbearable. He experiences the humiliation of relying on handouts from friends and strangers, and his physical and mental health deteriorates. He is forced to take menial jobs to survive, which only reinforces his sense of failure and self-loathing.

Throughout his struggles, Gordon's hatred for the aspidistra remains a constant. The plant, which he sees as a symbol of middle-class conformity, becomes a focal point of his anger and resentment. He even writes a poem titled 'The Aspidistra’ in which he expresses his contempt for the plant and everything it stands for.

The Resolution and Reflection

In the end, Gordon's stubborn refusal to compromise his principles begins to waver. He is offered a well-paying job by a wealthy friend, but he initially rejects it. However, after a particularly harsh winter, Gordon finally capitulates and accepts the job, realizing that his idealistic rejection of money and middle-class values has only brought him misery and suffering.

In the final scene, Gordon buys an aspidistra, symbolizing his acceptance of the middle-class values he once despised. The novel ends on a note of resignation, with Gordon acknowledging that, while his ideals may have been noble, they were ultimately impractical and self-destructive.

Conclusion

In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Orwell presents a powerful critique of the extreme anti-capitalist mindset. Through Gordon's character, he demonstrates the futility of rejecting money and middle-class values in a society that is built on them. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of letting idealism blind us to the practicalities of life.