'My Country Right or Left' (1940) by George Orwell

‘My Country Right or Left’ was first published in 'Folios of New Writing' in the autumn of 1940.

George Orwell' reflects on patriotism, personal memories, and Orwell’s evolving perspective on nationalism during the tumultuous time of World War II. The essay is both autobiographical and political, revealing Orwell's internal conflict between his anti-imperialist beliefs and a deep-seated emotional attachment to his country, England.

Orwell recounts his memories from childhood, highlighting how a sense of national pride was ingrained in him from an early age. He acknowledges that while his political beliefs had led him to oppose Britain's imperialistic actions in the past, the outbreak of World War II rekindled an emotional allegiance to his homeland. He describes a shift in his attitude as the war intensifies, realizing that he cannot simply remain indifferent to the fate of England, especially in the face of the Nazi threat.

Throughout the essay, Orwell explores the complex nature of patriotism. He criticizes the tendency of some left-wing intellectuals to dismiss patriotic feelings as mere jingoism. However, he admits that for him, a love of country runs deeper than political ideology. Orwell suggests that in times of crisis, even those who have been critical of their own nation may find themselves feeling a sense of duty to defend it.

Ultimately, the essay reflects Orwell’s struggle with the tension between his intellectual beliefs and the emotional pull of patriotism, recognizing that these feelings play a significant role in shaping a person's actions and sense of identity, especially in times of war. It is an introspective work that highlights the complexities of loyalty, nationalism, and the personal challenges that arise when one’s ideals clash with their instinctive sense of belonging.