Orwells A Hanging - Assignment Example

 What makes Orwell’s essay A Hanging so powerful? 1. Introduction Orwell’s essay A Hanging is a story that projects a scene from a jail where an individual is about to be hanged. This story is a gradual progression of the criminal and his fellows along with the warders and superintendent to the gallows where an individual’s life would be put to an end. However during this progression the readers observe a variety of play of emotions as well as get an insight of the actions that lead to the ultimate end of an individual and the manner which a culprit is punished. Orwell through this story makes an attempt to bring in light the fact that even the criminals and the people who punish such individuals are also human beings with feelings, fears and weaknesses. Just because some of them have committed wrong deeds and the other set punish the former does not make them inhuman. Another reason that the text gives such an impression to the readers is that Orwell is not observed to be passing judgments at any point in the story; even the reason for which the Hindu is being hanged is also kept a secret from the readers. In other words he has attempted at depicting the positive side of prisoners and the other people who reside with in the jail’s premises as the darker or the negative side of imprisonment is not hidden from anyone. Moreover Orwell appears to be succeeding in his attempt as his message and intentions are conveyed to the readers through the use of simple language and powerful themes and symbolism. The use of various thematic, stylistic and linguistic techniques makes this essay a powerful depiction of an aspect of the society that is generally ignored or holds no importance for the law abiding citizens as they normally refer to jail, criminals and imprisonment with a dislike and distaste. However this helps in changing such an attitude and moreover convinces the readers to reconsider the stereotypical believes and the strictures of the society. 2. Thematic Concerns The various themes used in this essay include imprisonment, courage, equality and death. These themes result in an amalgamation of a powerful depiction of this essay. 2.1. Imprisonment Sluiter and Klip defines the term imprisonment as, ‘it encompasses deprivation of liberty of the individual…’ (312). this theme of imprisonment is the most important theme as the whole essay is a depiction of various inhabitants of a prison and the variety of emotions they feel when one of the inhabitants is being led to his end. Orwell through this theme tries to highlight the inhuman treatment that the prisoners are subjected to with in the jail’s premises. He appears to be mocking the system for their injustice because he believes that even though the criminals should be punished for their sins yet the manner in which they are treated should be changed i.e. it should be a bit more humane rather than treating them as animals. As it is also stated in the text, ‘It was like men handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water.’ (1). The comparison of a human with a fish who is struggling for life of freedom although shows the brutality of the warders as they have the person chained however they do not realize that when the prisoner is not resisting so it would not matter if a little lenience is observed in treating him as stated in the essay, ‘But he stood quite unresisting, yielding his arms limply to the ropes…’ (1). Yet on the other hand the comparison of the fish and the Hindu prisoner also illustrates an aura of innocence which Orwell associates with the prisoner as he is being subjected to cruelty. 2.2. Courage This theme is fundamentally associated with the Hindu in the story who is being led to his death. The calm with which he appears to be dealing with his approaching death in the first half of the story makes the readers realize the importance of the courage that is required to accept the fate’s decision. ‘Yielding his arms limply to the ropes, as though he hardly noticed what was happening.’ (1). this comment indicates the lack of fear of the Hindu and hence depicts his courage. however courage does not means that the person has never feared anything because if such was the situation that individual would have been bestowed with super human powers and Orwell also depicts this vulnerability in his character as clear from the line, ‘our friend (he meant the dead man), when he heard his appeal had been dismissed, he pissed on the floor of his cell. From fright…’ (4). The manner in which the superintendent and the warders deal with the whole process of execution also reflects their courage as it requires a lot of inner determination and strength to make it possible for this process to be executed smoothly. Moreover it also require an iron clad will to hide ones inner sensitivity as also observed in the case of superintendent and his fellows as it is stated in the text, ‘Well, that's all for this morning, thank God.’ (4) It is as if it was an ordeal they had to deal with and it is easier to deal with it once it has passed. Moreover this exclamation is that of gratefulness as they would not have to perform the same act another time and this also indicates their reluctance to perform the act however since duty requires this of them so they are left with no other choice. As also stated, ‘My dear fellow,” we said, “think of all the pain and trouble you are causing to us!’ 2.3. Equality Towards the end of the essay it is mentioned that, ‘We all had a drink together, native and European alike, quite amicably.’ This shows that unlike other authors like foster who made it a point to mention the conflict of class, color and creed in his works Orwell appears to be avoiding it and hence projecting harmony and equality regardless of the difference of color. As Karl also states, ‘V. S Pritchett called him the conscience of his generation’ (148) this can be interpreted in terms that he wanted to talk about peace and harmony rather than the disputes and hence he was the voice of conscience because he tried to convince the people to see the brighter side of everything. Although this might categorize him as an idealist yet it is better to be an idealist and try to spread kindness rather than diminishing hope. 2.4. Death The theme of death and death imagery has an eminent presence through out the essay. The title of the essay also hints about the approaching death in the story as hanging is also associated with execution. Moreover through out the text death is present as an intangible yet tangible force that is governing all the action taking place in the essay. As mentioned in the story, ‘The man ought to have been dead by this time.’ The inevitability of death is also being reflected by using theme of death as a tool to inform the readers about it. This inevitability is also apparent from the comment, ‘each cry another second of life; the same thought was in all our minds: oh, kill him quickly, get it over, stop that abominable noise!’ (3). This statement again points out that if something is inevitable it is better to deal with it as quickly as possible so that the misery or the fear might recede with the final action. 3. Symbolism A variety symbols are used in the essay such as the weather, bugle call, gallows, ‘Ram, Ram, Ram’ and hysterical laughter. The use of these symbols is a technique that Orwell uses to depict foreshadowing in the text hence adding an element of suspense in the story. 3.1. Weather As the story commences it is stated in the text, ‘a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard.’ This concept of a misty and soaking morning can be interpreted in terms of desolation and misery which is also associated with execution. Moreover the lack of a bright sun further reiterates the idea of approaching death. Hence the weather and climate of the prison yards foreshadows the ultimate end of the Hindu i.e. death. 3.2. Bugle Call The bugle call acts as a death knell which announces that it is time for the culprit to be punished or the action of hanging should be committed. As also clear from the statement, ‘Eight o'clock struck and a bugle call, desolately thin in the wet air, floated from the distant barracks.’ (1) Hence this bugle call also illustrates the wretchedness of committing of this action as well as announcing that the time for it has come. 3.3. Gallows Like the bugle call gallows in the story is also used as a tool to foreshadow the death of the Hindu. The description of the gallows in the story also indicate towards the distinctions and differences between a dead and alive man as observed in the text, ‘The gallows stood in a small yard, separate from the main grounds of the prison, and overgrown with tall prickly weeds. It was a brick erection like three sides of a shed, with planking on top, and above that two beams and a crossbar with the rope dangling.’ (3) The fact that the gallows were separate from the prison’s living quarters establishes or reiterates the difference. Moreover the shabby and unkempt appearance also points towards the fact that there is no celebration in death and it is a deed that has to be committed as it also has a ton e of finality to it. 3.4. Dog Douglas Kerr says, ‘the animal (Dog) makes the human visible…now finds its attention drawn back to the native as human, by the deictic precedent of the dog…for the dog whose intervention seemed a distraction from the business in hand, has in fact enabled it to be seen or seen through in the most uncompromising (and humanist way), in a truly natural modality.’ (108) this seems to be a very apt description of the purpose of the dog in the story. Earlier the narrator was referring to the Hindu as the ‘condemned man’ however once the dog brings his attention to the Hindu he realizes that the criminal is as equally human as himself. This further supports the theme of equality in the essay. It is states in the story, ‘before anyone could stop it, it had made a dash for the prisoner, and jumping up tried to lick his face. Everyone stood aghast, too taken aback even to grab at the dog.’ This comment although literally depicts the actions of a dog however figuratively it shows the late realization of sharing the mutual identity of being humans that both the whites and the natives share. Hence Orwell uses the dog is also symbolically used to dissipate the racial and creed differences amongst the natives and whites of the sub continent. 3.5. Ram, Ram, Ram This continuous chant of the Hindi holy words in the text can be perceived in terms of being a hymn that he recited in order to have peaceful death and life after it. His lack of desperation is a symbolic representation of his contentment with his lot in life. It seems as if he has no regrets of leaving behind the life he was living before. As it is also mentioned in the story, ‘It was a high, reiterated cry of ‘Ram! Ram! Ram! Ram!’, not urgent and fearful like a prayer or a cry for help, but steady, rhythmical, almost like the tolling of a bell.’ 3.6. Chains The chains in which the ‘condemned man’ was bound symbolize the shackles of ones deeds. Figuratively this can also be perceived as chains that bind an individual under societal influence. While literally this also symbolizes the approaching end of the native man. These chains can also be interpreted as the continuous cycle of life and death according to which life comes in full circle i.e. when one life ends another begins and it also supports the fact that life goes on. Since this is also evident from the actions of the rest of the inhabitants of the prison who have a round of animated laughter after the execution. 3.7. Hysterical Laughter When the Hindu dies and his body is declared to be dead the rest of the inhabitants and the visitors of the prison both alike are observed to be having rounds of boisterous laughter although they seem to be unaware of the reason for which they are laughing and for the readers their laughter appears to be bordering near hysteria. As the text also states, ‘it seemed quite a homely, jolly scene, after the hanging. An enormous relief had come upon us now that the job was done. One felt an impulse to sing, to break into a run, to snigger. All at once everyone began chattering gaily.’ Also, ‘Several people laughed — at what, nobody seemed certain… I found that I was laughing quite loudly. Everyone was laughing. Even the superintendent grinned in a tolerant way.’ Both the comments indicate that this mutually shared laughter was actually there catharsis after dealing with a difficult and desolating situation. Their laughter was having a therapeutic effect on their senses. Hence the hysterical laughter can also be interpreted as the symbolic representation of dissipation of tension from the air. It is as if the people realize that they can once again breathe in the fresh air rather than anticipate death for some time as it has been evicted for some time as the superintendent also says, ‘Well, that's all for this morning, thank God.’ 4. Linguistic Features In the essay ‘A Hanging’ Orwell is observed to make use of various linguistic techniques that help in making the unique concept of imprisonment depicted in the essay to have a powerful effect on the readers and consequently convincing them to observe various aspects of life from his point of view. 4.1. Simple Diction Although Orwell is observed to be dealing with an aspect of the society that is condemned and is looked upon with resentment yet through his use of simple language he is able to convey and project the brighter side of imprisonment. John Rodden states that, ‘Orwell is the master of the plain style, that style which seems so easy to copy and is almost impossible to reach.’ (392) hence this shows that although he makes use of simple diction yet his style of writing retains its uniqueness of concept and style. In the essay the language used is simple and easily understandable. Although there is no underlying resentment or judgmental attitude on his part for the criminals and other inhabitants of the prison yard yet he uses simple language as a tool to mock the authorities who treat human beings as low life animals with in the premises of the jail. 4.2. First Person Narration The essay is depicted with the use of first person narrator. This helps in further developing the interest of the readers because while reading the text it seems as if they are getting a one to one account of the whole scene and even the minutest detail is being illustrated. Moreover reading the essay in first person narration results in the creation of vivid images of all the action taking place in the minds of the readers also the readers are able to relate with the narrator in first person narration as compared to an essay depicted in second or third person narration. 4.3. Use of Hindi Words Orwell is also observed to be using words from Hindi which adds a new dimension to the linguistic techniques used in the essay. It is stated in the text, ‘‘Chalo!’ he shouted almost fiercely.’ also ‘from the boxwallah, two rupees eight annas.’ (4) This use of Hindi words such as ‘chalo, annas and boxwallah’ adds a flavor of richness in the variety of language present in the text and also adds an element of belonging for the natives of the sub continent as they are the actual focus of the story. 5. Human Reactions and Behavior In this essay Orwell is observed to be exploring various human emotions and reactions that depict a variety of aspects of human nature this includes feelings of revulsion and irritation, realization and acceptance, contentment and bonding and friendship. This play of various emotions helps the readers to better understand about the variety of psychological aspects that amalgamate in order to create a human being. 5.1. Revulsion It is a common human reaction that if something is not according to their preferences they tend to adopt revulsion to it as is the case of the natives of the sub continent. It is known that the difference in color between the English and natives was a major reason for the hatred of the former of the later and this distaste is also observed in the essay as the natives are referred as the ‘condemned men’. Douglas Kerr also states, ‘the description of the condemned man himself is further estranged by the derealizing detail of his moustache which makes him resemble ‘a comic man on the films’.’ This comment explains that the revulsion for the native is also evident in the unusual description of the man’s moustache. 5.2. Realization and Acceptance This particular human reaction of acceptance is evident in the case of every character of the essay may it be in the case of the Hindu man, the narrator, the superintendent or every other spectator that was observing the process of execution. The lack of fear or exhibition of any reaction on the criminal’s part shows his acceptance of his fate. Similarly every other individual who was present in the prison yard had accepted the approaching native’s death. Such a human reaction in the essay depicts the finality of not only the decision of law in particular but also throws light on the temporary existence of man in this world in general as death is the ultimate end of every individual. However the reaction of realization is in particular associated with the narrator the reason being that he is the one who realizes the short comings of the norms of the society when he sees the native man as an individual rather than an object when he is about to be hanged. As also clear from the comment, ‘but till that moment I had never realized what it means to destroy a healthy, conscious man…. I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide. This man was not dying; he was alive just as we were alive. All the organs of his body were working — bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues forming — all toiling away in solemn foolery. His nails would still be growing when he stood on the drop, when he was falling through the air with a tenth of a second to live…. He and we were a party of men walking together, seeing, hearing, feeling, understanding the same world; and in two minutes, with a sudden snap, one of us would be gone — one mind less, one world less.’ This excerpt very aptly explains the process of transformation that the narrator’s opinion undergoes once he realizes his lack of good judgment. Moreover figuratively it also gives an in sight in another aspect of human psychology that it only requires a minimum of instigation to bring in light a whole new range of enlightened ideas and opinions about life and that can consequently result in the evolution of a totally new man. 5.3. Contentment This human behavior is interlinked with realization because one leads to another. Realization forms the basis of contentment as it is a gradual process of ascend from realization to acceptance and contentment. 5.4. Bonding and Friendship It is a well known human reaction that if a group of people face an ordeal or a difficult situation together that unusual occurrence result in the formation f a special bond that is shared by those people as they have something in common and hence such a shared experience leads to a new friendship. In other words it is not necessary that friendship only results if people have common interests but it is also possible to form bonds in dire situations. A similar situation is also observed in this essay as in the case of all the prisoners, the faculty of the prison and the group of magistrate and other law men. As also stated in the text, ‘An enormous relief had come upon us now that the job was done… Everyone was laughing.’(4) This geniality and lighthearted laughter appears to be a reflection of friendship and bonding between the natives and the Europeans. Moreover the drink that they share towards the end, as mentioned, ‘We all had a drink together, native and European alike, quite amicably. The dead man was a hundred yards away.’(5) Shows the bond they share. 6. Significance of Imprisonment Imprisonment in the essay has two significant meanings. On a literal level the purpose of the whole scenario depicted in the story is to mock the system of law and the authorities as they have a bad method of dealing with the prisoners. Orwell wants to make appeal to the authorities to improve their methods of treating the criminals if for no other reason but this that humanity and ethics require a better treatment. On the hand on a broader spectrum this imprisonment can also be a figurative representation of the stifling and confined existence of human beings with in the norms of the society as these strictures are generally the governing factors of an individual’s opinions or point of views. Hence Orwell wants his readers to realize that indirectly every human being is a prisoner even if he is breathing in fresh air and in every walk of life there are obstacles and problems that hinder ones progress and result in confinement or imprisonment even if it is a temporary one. However this imprisonment is different from the one depicted in the story as this type of imprisonment can curtail various reasons such as conflicting desires, jealousy, unattainable goals in life etc. although the ultimate end of any kind of imprisonment is death as also illustrated in the essay. 7. Conclusion The amalgamation of a variety of stylistic and linguistic techniques as well as the manner in which Orwell weaves the web of words keeps the readers entranced from the beginning to the end of the story. Even in his use of simple diction there is an element of suspense that tempts the readers to read on. Moreover as the action taking place in the story is depicted at a fast pace i.e. one thing leads to another without exaggerated descriptions so it helps immensely in keeping the interest of the readers intact through out the essay. Such use of stylistic techniques result in retaining the uniqueness of Orwell’s works as well as tactfully conveying his point of view even when he is dealing with such sensitive and controversial topic of imprisonment and law. All these special features of George Orwell’s depiction of the essay A Hanging result in making a powerful and long lasting impact on the readers as they not only get to see a totally new perspective of an author who is popular for his portrayal of harmony and peace in his works of literature but also helps in enlightening them and improving their personal opinion about life and its various aspects. Moreover it provides the readers a broader spectrum to observe life, nature and man’s temporary existence in the world. References Karl, Robert, Fredrick. A reader's guide to the contemporary English novel. New York: Farrar. Straus & Giroux, 1962. Print. Kerr, Douglas. Eastern figures: Orient and empire in British writing. Aberdeen: Hong Kong University Press, 2008. Print. Orwell, George. Shooting the Elephant and Other Stories. London: Secker and Warburg, 1950. Print. Rodden, John. George Orwell: the politics of literary reputation. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers, 2002. Print. Sluiter, Goran, and Klip, Andre. Annotated Leading Cases of International Criminal Tribunals. Oxford: Intersentia, 2005. Print.   Read More