hanging essay Flashcards
introduction
The reflective essay by George Orwell, “A Hanging”, encourages the reader to assess their views on the ethical issue of capital punishment. Orwell recounts the execution of a prisoner in Burma which he witnessed first hand, however the crime the prisoner committed is never disclosed. Orwell’s strong stance on capital punishment is presented to the reader, he believes that taking a human life is both unnatural and morally wrong. Orwell uses setting, symbolism and characterisation to (link) and highlights the anti-death penalty theme by urging the reader to challenge what it means to be human
setting - quote one
The description of the setting illustrates the inhumane conditions in which the prisoners are forced to live. The hanging takes place on a “sodden morning of the rains”. The word “sodden” has connotations of being soaking wet and miserable, suggesting that the weather is disgusting and depressing, reflecting the mood of the people in the prison. It demonstrates the negative response to the death penalty from everyone present.
setting - quote two
Orwell reveals that the prisoners live in “small animal cages”. Animal cages are bare with little space, so the prisoners’ cells are therefore cramped with little to no furnishings. This shows that the prisoners are kept in very poor conditions before being executed, which (link). Through effective use of word choice and imagery, Orwell (link)
symbolism - quote one
Orwell’s uses symbolism of the dog and puddle to make the reader challenge the principles of capital punishment. As the men were making their way to the gallows, the dog “made a dash for the prisoner and, jumping up, tried to lick his face”. The fact that the dog went to the prisoner shows that it sees all the men the same way and is not biased. The symbolism of the dog conveys Orwell’s view that everyone is equal and nobody should kill anybody.
symbolism - quote two
Also while walking to the gallows, the prisoner “stepped aside slightly to avoid a puddle in the path”, which demonstrates that he is still human and displays normal responses to situations. It illustrates that he is still fully conscious and aware of his surroundings, which makes Orwell realise for the first time that they are about to kill a perfectly healthy man. The reader (link) due to Orwell’s use of symbolism of the dog and puddle to demonstrate that everyone should be treated equally and the death penalty is never justified.
character before - quote one
The characterisation of the prisoner and guards illustrates how those present about the execution. When the prisoner is brought out of his cell, he is described as a “puny wisp of a man”. Just as a “wisp” is a small, thin piece of something, so too is the prisoner short and very slim, indicating that he has been malnourished and very poorly treated in the lead up to his execution, therefore (link).
character before - quote two
Before the execution, the superintendent says “the prisoners can’t get their breakfast til this job’s over”. The fact that he refers to the execution as a job suggests that he has no sympathy for the prisoner’s situation and sees the execution purely as a task that must be carried out. His attitude also indicates he wants to get the execution over with quickly, which suggests he is not very comfortable with the situation as it is unpleasant, it demonstrates that the death penalty is inhumane and that the guards feel this way too. Word choice and imagery are used effectively here to develop the characters of the superintendent and the prisoner and to illustrate that the death penalty emotionally affects everyone, as it is cruel. This therefore (link)
character after - quote one
After the execution, Orwell further explores the feelings the guards have about it. Before being hanged, the prisoner prays to his god, after this, “everyone had changed colour”. This shows that the guards are uncomfortable with the prisoner’s cries, suggesting that even though they carry out the executions, they find them unpalatable and do not enjoy it.
character after - quote two
After the execution, the guards were talking about past hangings and “everyone was laughing”, which would suggest that the guards do not care about the prisoners or their fate, however this is a false emotion that acts as a coping mechanism for the prison officials. It emphasises the fact that the guards are uncomfortable with the hangings, as they view them as harsh and unfair. Orwell uses characterisation here to illustrate that everyone, including the guards who perform the executions, feel that they are inhumane, which (link).
conclusion
In conclusion, “A Hanging” by George Orwell encourages the reader to review their feelings on capital punishment. Orwell illustrates the awful conditions in which the prisoner who is executed is kept in, the fact that he is still fully aware and displays instinctive responses to stay safe, and the harsh reality of taking a human life, but never presents a judgement on what the prisoner has dons to deserve this treatment. Orwell uses to setting, symbolism and characterisation to (link) and the reader is forced to consider the inhumanity of the death penalty.
