Introduction
J.B. Priestley’s popular essay ‘Making writing simple’ is an essay on the purpose of literature should be a simple and direct writing so that it can reach to maximum public. Writer is strongly advocating his thoughts in favour of this.
Main Ideas
- Accessibility of Literature – Essay starts with the conversation of a young critic and the writer. While the young critic comments in a mocking manner that the writer is too simple read, but the writer defends himself that his purpose has always been to reach the wider public. He wants his literature should be as simple that he ‘could read aloud in a bar parlour’. While the critic is among those people who want the artist to hide behind ‘thicket of briers’ i.e. the artist or writer should not be reached or understood by everyone.
- Literature should be complex or simple – The critic belongs to that generation which is against the mass communication i.e. who don’t want literature to be able to reach a common man. They want the reader to sweat and toil and make it an intellectual activity. While writer is of contrary view, he starts his literary pieces with simple thoughts so to connect with the public then bring complexity slowly so as to eliminate the non-serious readers.
- Writing simple is tough – It is a great paradox of the essay that the so called simplicity which the writer has achieved came after years of practice and hard work. The writer himself toiled hard so that his readers find it easy. Hence, the young critic who thought that writer is too simple to read should try himself to write in that manner. He will have reality check. This simple is tough to achieve.
- Easy Communication – The writer is of the view that a simple writing makes the communication easy between the writer and the public. He gives an example of a challenge he accepted regarding explaining thoughts and theories of C.G. Jung in thirteen and a half minute on radio as a tribute. He claims that he was successful in doing that which was earlier thought by everyone as impossible. The outcome of his speech was ‘like honey in the rock, a taste of delight’ means the public found it as a surprise to have understood Jung in such an easy and delightful manner.
Language
As the essay is an advocacy of writing simple yet effective writing, hence it’s own language is as simple as it’s message. Priestley has used such an academic language which is easy for readers yet stands on parameters of a good writing.
Attack on complexity in literature
The writer does not want literature a ‘cerebral activity’. He attacks on such attitude of scholars and academicians who want literature complex. He says that such people better solve chess problems and break down cyphers. Those who think that complexity is a symbol of intellectualism then I am an equal intellectual as they think of themselves despite writing simple. He states that “I do not feel that there is a glass wall between me and the people in the nearest factories, shops and pubs”. The writer has reached the general public on the basis of his simple and effective writing. Hence, he advocates such writing and condemns these fellows who wants literature exclusively for just few selected people.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, J.B. Priestley’s ‘Making Writing Simple’ is a remarkable essay which emphasizes the value of clear and straightforward writing. He believes that true skill lies in expressing ideas simply, without unnecessary complexity. Priestley encourages writers to communicate in a way that everyone can understand. He argues that simple writing is not a sign of weak thinking but of strong, thoughtful expression.
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