'Common Lodging Houses' (1932) by Eric Blair (George Orwell)

Orwell reflects upon the conditions of lodging houses in England, which provided cheap, temporary accommodations for the poor and homeless. This essay is part of Orwell's broader interest in documenting the lives of the working class and those living on the margins of society, an interest that also led to works like Down and Out in Paris and London.

In this piece, Orwell describes the common lodging houses as places where people who could not afford better accommodations would sleep. These lodging houses, often overcrowded and unsanitary, were places of last resort for those with little money, including workers, the unemployed, and the transient poor. He details the dreary, grim atmosphere of these places—poor ventilation, filthy conditions, and a lack of privacy and dignity for their residents.

Orwell's observations are not just about the physical conditions but also delve into the social dynamics within the lodging houses. He notes the diverse backgrounds of the inhabitants and the communal living arrangements that strip people of their individuality. Despite their difficult circumstances, Orwell recognizes a sense of camaraderie among the residents, who share similar struggles. However, he is critical of how society largely ignores these people, who are out of sight and out of mind to those who live more comfortably.

Through "Common Lodging Houses," Orwell aims to bring attention to the harsh realities faced by the poor and the systemic neglect that allows such conditions to persist. The essay serves as a critique of social inequalities and the failure of society to provide decent living conditions for all its members.