Poetry+of+George+Orwell

=Poetry of George Orwell=

Oh brush them up and down!"
====I decided to use this poem as an example because it shares some similar thematic qualities to //1984//. I think that it was meant to reflect the effects of an oppressive ruler. The ruler commands his people to "brush their teeth". This act is a metaphor for a dictator's control over the public. Just like in Oceania, every citizen is forced into idle conformity by their tyrannical leader. But the ruler still tries to make it seem positive; "Oh how they shine, aren't they bloody fine!". The tone of the poem feels very repetitive and pragmatic, which adds to its effect. While reading it you get the same feeling that someone under this kind of regime would feel. It even uses an element of bandwagon; "All the folks in London town brush their teeth up and down". This also lends itself to the idea of conformity. It is likely that this was inspired by the effects of Imperialism that Orwell witnessed during his time in Burma.====