35 pages • 1 hour read
George OrwellKeep the Aspidistra Flying
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Gordon Comstock, a middle-class poet rebelling against societal norms and monetary conformity, struggles with poverty while refusing "respectable" jobs. He works at a used bookstore but faces challenges in his personal and romantic life due to his financial situation. The story explores Gordon's internal and external conflicts as he navigates his ideals and reality. Topics include substance abuse and domestic issues involving aggressive behavior.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell captures the struggles of Gordon Comstock, whose disdain for capitalism leads him into poverty. Critics praise Orwell's incisive social commentary and rich character development. However, some find the protagonist's cynicism excessive, making the narrative occasionally bleak. Overall, it's a thought-provoking exploration of personal and societal values.
Who Should Read Keep the Aspidistra Flying?
A reader who enjoys Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell often appreciates satirical and critical examinations of society, particularly focusing on class struggles and the pursuit of integrity within a capitalist system. Fans of Orwell’s 1984 or Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World may find this novel engaging and thought-provoking.