Final answer:
George Orwell's excerpt underlines the importance of precise language and careful word selection in communication. His advice is supported by poets who stress conciseness and the craft of writing. Orwell's viewpoint highlights that thoughtful language can offer rich and varied meanings in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
George Orwell's purpose in the excerpt from "Politics and the English Language" is to convey the importance of clear and precise language in communication. He advocates for the elimination of stale images, prefabricated phrases, and general vagueness to enhance the meaning and impact of our words. Orwell achieves this through a persuasive tone and encouraging a careful selection process of words that precisely convey intended meanings. Beyond just picking the right phrases, he suggests that one should consider the impression these words will create on others, thereby promoting a meticulous and reflective approach to writing.
Orwell's idea aligns with the advice given by poets like Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams, who both emphasized the importance of being concise and choosing words that add value to writing. This notion is further supported by considering the careful use of language in literary works and the multi-faceted interpretations they can yield. By learning to read and interpret language sensitively, readers can uncover the layers of meaning intended by an author, as well as those meanings that emerge independently of the author’s intent.