Keep the Aspidistra Flying Summary & Key Insights

George Orwell's Keep the Aspidistra Flying follows Gordon Comstock, a young, idealistic poet in 1930s London, who vehemently rejects the materialistic values of capitalist society. He abandons a promising career in advertising to pursue his artistic aspirations, but his romantic ideals clash harshly with the realities of poverty and societal pressure. Comstock's staunch refusal to compromise his principles leads him down a path of self-imposed hardship, marked by a profound sense of alienation and disillusionment.

The central plot revolves around Comstock's struggle for artistic and financial independence. He quits his well-paying job, choosing instead a life of meagre earnings as a copywriter for a less prestigious firm, and ultimately, unemployment. He is haunted by the contrast between his bohemian aspirations and the desperate need to survive. He lives in cramped, impoverished conditions, highlighting the stark realities of working-class existence in interwar Britain. This experience fuels his disdain for the bourgeoisie and their superficial values.

A significant part of the narrative explores Comstock's complex relationship with Rosemary, a young woman who represents a different kind of idealism. Unlike Gordon's intellectual and artistic rebellion, Rosemary's rebellion is more pragmatic, rooted in her rejection of societal expectations regarding marriage and motherhood. Their relationship is fraught with tension, fueled by their contrasting approaches to poverty and the struggle against societal norms. Rosemary's unwavering support and practical approach eventually help Comstock see the limitations of his romantic idealism.

The titular aspidistra, a hardy, resilient houseplant, becomes a potent symbol throughout the novel. It represents Comstock's stubborn resistance to the forces of conformity and the oppressive nature of modern life. However, the aspidistra’s endurance also ironically reflects the resilience of the working class in the face of adversity.

Orwell critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the superficiality of middle-class values through Comstock’s experiences. The novel examines the tension between artistic integrity and economic necessity, highlighting the compromises individuals must often make. Comstock’s initial rejection of societal norms is gradually challenged, forcing him to confront the practical realities of survival and the limitations of his own romantic idealism. Ultimately, the novel suggests that while genuine artistic expression is valuable, a complete rejection of the material world is ultimately unsustainable and potentially self-destructive. The ending, while not entirely optimistic, offers a glimmer of hope for a reconciliation between idealism and the necessities of life, albeit a compromise that acknowledges the compromises inherent in the lived experience.