“Some Thoughts on the Common Toad” is an essay by George Orwell that was published in 1946. The author describes a common example of the natural cycle, which is the change of seasons. People have become accustomed to it; moreover, in literature, it is mostly associated with beautiful creatures like primroses and skylarks. However, Orwell suggests a rather unusual example of, as he says, the “phenomena of spring” (Orwell 48). He speaks about the spawning of toads, how they change their inactivity during spring, slowly gain energy, and begin to reproduce. It is not a particularly aesthetic example, that is why it is not commonly used by poets. Nevertheless, the author explains how it deeply appeals to him because it demonstrates how simple pleasures are available to everyone regardless of anything. In addition, such delights cost nothing and can be appreciated not only in the forest but in cities as well.
However, in the current times, people forget to pay attention to enjoying such everyday events like seasonal changes as they are too busy with business, politics, and many other affairs. For this reason, Orwell is concerned with the fact that many humans have become unsympathetic and consider enjoying nature to be too sentimental. While there are some different issues regarding political discontent, the capitalist system, and financial problems, the love of nature seems unnecessary. At the same time, others seem to see the appreciation of it as a reaction that would be common in the age of machines. Orwell rejects these ideas and argues that this love that remains from childhood is not sentimental or harmful. It is satisfying, healing and, therefore, makes a peaceful and dignified future more likely to happen. In this essay, the author uses the toad as a metaphor, in which he argues that the ability to appreciate spring is a basic human feature.
Even though this work was written in 1946, the ideas of Orwell can still be applied today. They appear to be especially relevant in 2020 when numerous negative events have happened. The coronavirus pandemic has forced people to stay home, to lose their jobs, and to be constantly worried about how the future will turn out because it became unpredictable. This year developed into a difficult one because of many significant changes in the economy and society. For this reason, the importance of something as simple as enjoying nature becomes even more unnecessary. Furthermore, since people are forced to stay inside their homes, they do not have the opportunity to go outside and appreciate the changing of seasons. April and May were the most difficult months of 2020, and during this time, the emergence of spring is the most apparent and beautiful. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, many have missed it, and even if they did not, it is doubtful whether they enjoyed it anyway.
Nevertheless, the author conveys the idea that no matter the circumstances, spring is still spring and can be enjoyed regardless of the current situation. Therefore, this crisis allows people to rethink their existing values. Until this year, the population and politicians have been concerned about materialistic matters, such as money or atom bombs. The pandemic significantly changed it and provided an opportunity to look in another direction. It is possible that now people can restore the ability to appreciate and be sentimental, which was lost since childhood.
Work Cited
Orwell, George. “Some Thoughts on the Common Toad.” Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays, edited by Richard Dutton, London: Seeker & Warburg, 1950, pp. 48-51.