A Spike in Down and Out in Paris and London
George Orwell’s ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’ is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the life of the poor in two major European cities. The book is an account of Orwell’s own experiences working as a dishwasher, waiter, and plongeur (dishwasher) in the two cities.
One of the most interesting characters that Orwell encounters during his time in Paris is a man named Boris, who is commonly referred to as ‘Spike.’ So, who exactly is Spike, and what role does he play in the story?
Who Is Spike?
Spike is a Russian émigré who lives in poverty in Paris. Orwell meets him when they are both working at the same hotel.
In many ways, Spike represents the extreme end of poverty. He has no money, no home, and no prospects for improving his situation. He spends his days wandering around Paris looking for handouts or odd jobs.
Despite his dire circumstances, however, Spike has an irrepressible spirit. He is always cheerful and optimistic, even when things are at their worst. His resilience makes him stand out from the other characters that Orwell encounters throughout the book.
The Role of Spike
In many ways, Spike serves as a foil to Orwell himself. While Orwell struggles to maintain his dignity and sense of self-worth while working as a dishwasher and living in squalor, Spike seems to have accepted his lot in life without complaint. He embodies the idea that poverty can be endured if one has an unbreakable spirit.
Spike also plays an important role in highlighting the differences between life for poor people in Paris versus London. While poverty is prevalent in both cities, it takes on different forms depending on where one is living.
What Does ‘Spike’ Mean?
It’s worth noting that ‘spike’ is a slang term that was commonly used to refer to someone who lived in poverty during the early 20th century. It’s not clear whether Orwell gave Boris this nickname or whether it was a name that he went by already. In any case, the use of the name ‘Spike’ serves as a reminder that poverty has always been a problem in society and that people have been struggling with it for a long time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spike is an important character in Orwell’s ‘Down and Out in Paris and London.’ He represents the extreme end of poverty and serves as a foil to Orwell himself.
His irrepressible spirit and resilience make him stand out from the other characters in the book. Through Spike, Orwell highlights the differences between life for poor people in Paris versus London and reminds us of the enduring nature of poverty.
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