Keep the Aspidistra Flying
George Orwell
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
The war on money
Why does Gordon Comstock declare war on money, and does he win any battles?
Keep the conversation going
- Why did he leave his good job in advertising?
- What does he gain from poverty, and what does it cost him?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
Why does Gordon Comstock declare war on money, and does he win any battles?
Keep the conversation going
- Why did he leave his good job in advertising?
- What does he gain from poverty, and what does it cost him?
What does Gordon's job in the bookshop show him about readers and books?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of his scorn for his customers?
- Is he a real poet?
What does the aspidistra stand for, in Gordon's room and in England?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does he hate it so much?
- What does it mean to 'keep the aspidistra flying'?
What does Rosemary see in Gordon, and why does she stay?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of their disastrous day in the country?
- Is Gordon fair to her?
What does the friendship with Ravelston, the rich socialist, reveal about both men?
Keep the conversation going
- Is Ravelston's guilt about his money sincere?
- Why can't Gordon accept his help without resentment?
How does shame about money shape every relationship Gordon has?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the scene in the restaurant after his windfall?
- Does Orwell agree with Gordon?
How far does Gordon sink, and why does he choose to?
Keep the conversation going
- What did his move to Lambeth mean to him?
- Was he free there, or just lost?
How did you feel when Gordon goes back to advertising and marries Rosemary?
Keep the conversation going
- Is it surrender, or growing up?
- What do you make of the ending with the aspidistra?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.