NKJV Ecc 7: "...there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?"
Orwell quotes this in the context of his examination of the human spirit; it is tugged to both good (socially acceptable codes) and evil (hidden passions). Resolution, according to him, is found in balancing both the former and the latter. Scary, isn't it?
The great writers of fiction are usually immovably secular or devoutly religious. Compare Orwell with Lewis (C.S, not Carroll), and you get my point. Their essays shed light on their fiction. Should it? Does it make it better? Can I appreciate it more now? I think these are questions that are verging a little on the unnecessary.
In my shopping bags lie Orwell's Books Vs. Cigarettes (Non-Fictional Male British exposition) and Alice Walker's By The Light Of My Father's Smile (Fictional Female American introspection) . These could not possibly be more different.
I shudder at the prospect of anyone, especially anyone I know, leading an existence, as opposed to living experiences (rather than experience living). Often, our circumstances, state of mind or space we occupy requires that we ponder how, in life, there probably will be many things to fear or be nervous about; this is not one of them.
