A Hangining Analysis for Key Quotes Flashcards
What is the introduction of the essay?
George Orwell’s “ A Hanging “ is a thought provoking essay where (refer to task). Orwell portrays his emotions towards the horrifying events that took place: from the ruthless hanging, the appalling inhumane treatment of the prisoners and his moment of realisation of the wrongness of the situation - whilst stationed in Burma in the 1920s. Through Orwell’s use of setting, pathetic fallacy, characterisation, symbolism and dialogue he conveys/demonstrates his outraged view upon capital punishment (Refer to question) throughout the essay.
What is the first and second paragraph for the quote “a sodden morning of the rains, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the courtyard“?
In the first line of the essay, Orwell ,on reflection, gives us a subtle hint at his views and thoughts about capital punishment. He begins by vividly providing us with a detailed description of the weather, on the morning of one particular hanging, to establish the miserable setting:
Insert quote.
Orwell’s use of pathetic fallacy, helps to create an ominous atmosphere which portrays a dark and foreboding mood. The detailed description of the condemned cells as being “ small animal cages “ suggests that the conditions were inhumane. The unpleasant image “like yellow tinfoil” further emphasises the unpleasant light and sickly conditions of the prison. This establishes the ongoing comparison of the maltreated prisoners to the well nourished jailers, which continue throughout the essay.(Refer to Question).
For view clearly shown - Orwell’s growing dislike and unhappiness of the treatment of the prisoner.
What is the first and second paragraph for the quotes “a puny wisp of a man”…… “sprouting moustache,absurdly too big for his body”?
To further convey his anger and vexation towards capital punishment and the mistreatment of the prisoners, Orwell continues to build on the image of the prisoners as animals: “squatting” and “a pot of water”. These comments on the actions and living conditions, reinforces the idea of the prisoners being viewed as subhuman. This is shown again, through the comparison of the contrast between the prisoners and the jailers. The prisoner is described as:
Insert quote. (use ellipses)
Here the prisoner is described as a weak, poor, frail and malnourished man with a comical image that makes him look like a joke. Orwell conveys the mistreatment of the prisoner and their weakened conditions, by describing the jailers as: “fat” and “moodily prodding”. This suggests an almost comical size, that the jailers were well looked after, bulky, powerful and impatient. Orwell is clearly outraged and shocked at the fact there are 6 brawny guards to this one weak and broken man, this over the top approach towards the prisoner alludes to how these guards have no sympathy for the prisoner and are just brandishing their power. However throughout the essay, Orwell -intentionally -fails to mention or disclose the prisoners crime as this could have a significant influence on the way the reader views the prisoner and start to humanise the appalling treatment of the prisoner. (Refer to Question).
What is the first and second paragraph for the quote “a dog came… bounding among us…. it had made a dash for the prisoner”?
During the proceedings, the strict procedure of the execution party and the jailers is disrupted by the appearance of a dog. By noting the dog’s actions, Orwell begins to realise the immorality of the execution, demonstrating his views of capital punishment:
Insert quote
By showing that the dog goes straight to the prisoner, Orwell demonstrates how the jailers’ lack morals, as the dog sees the prisoner as an equal and not as a condemned man. The reaction of the prison officials to the appearance of the dog, “everyone stood aghast”, shows the underlying discomfort of the jailers at having to take a life that is in full stride. Symbolising Orwell’s belief that not only is capital punishment wrong, it is also against human nature to kill another human. (Refer to Question).
What is the first and second paragraph for the quote “I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness of cutting a life short when it is in full tide.”?
Orwell, at the turning point of the essay, has an epiphany, a moment of realisation. He recognises fully what he, the execution party and the jailers are about to do. He realises the prisoner is full of life and is capable of human actions and thought, not an animal being lead to slaughter.
Insert quote.
It is at this moment Orwell’s attitude to capital punishment is fully exposed. This acts as an important turning point because he chooses to express his personal feelings. The expression “unspeakable wrongness” conveys his personal beliefs, he is almost unable to articulate how immoral it is. The metaphor “full tide” is used to convey the man’s vitality, Orwell realises that human life should never be cut short for any reason. From this moment Orwell’s argument is explicit, we are left in no doubt that he finds capital punishment morally reprehensible. (Refer to Question).
What is the first and second paragraph for the quote “bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissue forming”?
Another way Orwell demonstrates that the prisoner is an equal just like the jailers and has every right to live, is when he lists the bodily functions of the prisoner to show that despite his weakness he is still alive and could live a healthy life:
Insert quote.
Through the use of sentence structure, the list helps to portray that the prisoner is a healthy human being who is fully alive and not ready to die. This highlights the wrongness of these actions, as there is nothing wrong with the prisoner who has every right to live just like the jailers. This emphasises Orwell’s fury over capital punishment, which is taking the life of healthy people.(Refer to question).
What is the first and second paragraph for the quote “The superintendent reached out with his stick and poked the bare body: it oscillated, slightly. ‘He’s all right,’ said the superintendent.”?
The tension of the hanging starts to build when, in place, the prisoner repeatedly cries “Ram!Ram!Ram!Ram!”. Orwell’s use of repetition helps to build tension and creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for the jailers, shown by the Simile “The Indians had gone grey like bad coffee”. This emphasises that despite the strict procedure and order, the jailers feel deep discomfort and internal horror as the hanging gets closer. It is not until the prisoner is confirmed dead that the tension is relieved:
Insert quote
The use of climax by Orwell demonstrates how the jailers discomfort is dispelled when the hanging is over, which shows their merciless nature. This is reinforced when the jailer’s job for the day is nearly done and “An enormous relief had come upon us” which highlights how detached and disrespectful the jailers are that they no longer have any worries or care for the prisoner,
What is the first and second paragraph for the quotes “An enormous relief”….. “snigger”….. “think of the trouble you are causing us”…. “we all had a drink”?
Finally after the hanging is over, Orwell fully reinforces his anger, outrage and frustration towards capital punishment when he describes the jailers’ actions after the execution:
Insert quote. (use ellipses)
The jailers’ cocky, disrespectful, arrogant and selfish celebrations, shows the immoral nature of the jailers. The fact that they just forget about the prisoner as soon as the proceedings are finished, reinforces the wrongfulness of their actions as a whole. The irony that they view themselves as being the victims, reinforces their lack of thought for what they had done and shows they needed to put it out of their mind. This backs up Orwell’s negativity, anger and frustration towards capital punishment and his reasoning for this.(Refer to question).
What is the conclusion to the essay?
To conclude, George Orwell’s “A Hanging” successfully (refer to task). Orwell, at first, did not realise the gravity of executing someone however as the execution proceeds his awareness of the appalling inhumane treatment of the prisoners grows. Eventually Orwell comprehends the immortality of capital punishment as well as the lack of morals and mercy shown by the jailers, for which he demonstrates his indignation. By concealing the crime the prisoner committed, Orwell reinforces how the taking of life, no matter the circumstance, is unethical and depraved. The fact that Orwell has to conceal this, shows the prejudice view and callous opinion of people as they do not see the prisoner as an equal. The essay as a whole provides a powerful message about the immortality of capital punishment as well as the horrific inhumane treatment of prisoners during this time.
