A HANGING GEORGE ORWELL HOMEWORK Finish questions on

A HANGING – GEORGE ORWELL

HOMEWORK Finish questions on Originally for Friday 9 th February Complete your final draft persuasive piece for your writing portfolio for Monday 19 th February You should put it in the SQA template and email it to me Marcus. roskilly@jamesgillespies. edin. sch. uk Return all previous drafts to me too

SECOND TEXT We are going to study a non-fiction text. If you choose to write a Critical Essay on this text then you would respond to a question from the non fiction prose section. This would mean that you could not write on The Wasp Factory as you must write your essays on two different genres. However, you should try to write on The Wasp Factory as it is a more interesting and challenging text

2011 CRITICAL ESSAY –PROSE NON FICTION Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer expresses outrage or shock about an issue which you feel is important. Show the writer conveys the emotion and discuss to what extent this emotional approach enhances your understanding of the issue. Write a collective introduction and paragraph essay plan for the above question Use a clear topic sentence, give two relevant quotations and a few bullet point notes for analysis Extension: write the conclusion

STRUCTURE Introduction should give title and author, reference the question, briefly outline what your essay will do, summarise the text and give a thoughtful and developed personal response Main body You can either organise your answer chronologically or by language feature. For example, beginning, development and conclusion Or, figurative language, word choice, sentence structure and irony Conclusion should be really thoughtful and explain why this is still an important text for the modern era

GEORGE ORWELL - BIOGRAPHY Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950), better known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English author. His work is marked by a profound consciousness of social injustice, an intense opposition to totalitarianism, and a passion for clarity in language. Considered perhaps the 20 th century's best chronicler of English culture, he wrote works in many different genres including novels, essays, polemic journalism, and poetry. His most famous works are the satirical novel Animal Farm (1945) and the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949).

A HANGING - CONTEXT In the 1920 s the southeast Asian country, Burma, (now known as Myanmar) was part of British Empire. As a young man, George Orwell enlisted with the Indian Imperial Police and quickly attained the rank of Assistant District Superintendent.

A HANGING - CONTEXT During his time as a British police officer in an Asian country, Orwell experienced, first hand, the social inequalities present in a country ruled by a foreign power. These experiences went on to inform much of his written work including his essay, A Hanging. George Orwell

SUMMARY - NOTE A Hanging is a reflection on one of the many judicial executions witnessed by Orwell in his official capacity as a chief of justice. Orwell’s detailed observations of the prisoner and the events leading up to his eventual death illuminate the banal reality of death and highlight his strong anti-capital punishment sentiments.

THEME It can therefore be said to be a strong critique of capital punishment and demonstrates Orwell’s innate humanism and his belief in affording dignity to our fellow human beings.

THEME AND WRITER’S PURPOSE - NOTE When producing a written piece of work all writers will have a particular purpose in mind which they wish to communicate to the reader. In A Hanging, Orwell makes a social comment about capital punishment. Through his clever use of language techniques such as imagery, symbolism, tone and word choice Orwell evokes the reader’s sympathy for the prisoner’s plight.

TASK Read the essay: highlight and make notes on any language features (imagery, sentence structure, symbolism, tone etc) that you find particularly striking. Annotate anything that you have noted. Think about the impact on the reader and how it adds to the writer’s purpose and theme. Share your thoughts with your partner Do you think this is an effective essay? How do you feel about the prisoner? Does Orwell make a convincing case against capital punishment?

QUESTIONS – PARAS 1 AND 2 1. What evidence is there for the poor condition of the prisoners? For each quotation explain, in as much detail as you can, the reason for your choice. 2. Why do you think Orwell chose to include such detailed description of the prisoner’s conditions?

SYMPATHY FOR THE PRISONER - SETTING The setting described in the opening lines of the essay immediately highlights the poor conditions in which the prisoners are kept. “A sickly light…” – connotations of prisoner health “small animal cages” – inhumane conditions “ten feet by ten feet and was quite bare”

SYMPATHY FOR THE PRISONER – PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION “squatting” – continues animal image “a puny wisp of a man” – word choice suggests malnourishment and neglect. “sprouting moustache, absurdly too big for his body. ” Comic image further emphasises the prisoner’s frailty.

QUESTION 1. How does the description of the prisoner compare with the descriptions of the guards in paragraphs 2 and 4? Give quotations and explain their impact. In what way does this comparison contribute to the writer’s purpose?

CONTRAST – GUARDS AND PRISONER The prison guards are described as; “tall Indian warders” and one, in particular, as a “fat Dravidian” “white drill suit and gold spectacles” These descriptions of healthy, well-fed and well dressed guards contrast (technique) with the ill treatment of the prisoners. In doing so Orwell stimulates the reader’s sympathy for the prisoner and our ability to empathise with him – writer’s purpose

REPRESENTATION OF COLONIAL OFFICERS Look at paragraph 3. How is the superintendent of the jail presented? How does Orwell use dialogue and description to show the reader what he is like and how does this contribute to theme and purpose? Represented as an impatient, unfeeling, petty official through both actions (description) and dialogue. “grey toothbrush moustache and a gruff voice”-clichéd description of a colonial administrator “The man ought to have been dead by this time. ” only concerned about his job and bureaucratic role Orwell does this to show distant he is from any empathy with his fellow man.

CAN THE PUNISHMENT EVER FIT THE CRIME? For what crime is the prisoner being executed? Do you think some crimes deserve capital punishment? Make a list of crimes that you believe do or do not deserve judicial execution.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT? Judicial execution: Prison:

CAN THE PUNISHMENT EVER FIT THE CRIME? Orwell omits to mention the prisoner’s crime as he does not want the reader to make any judgement about whether or not the death penalty was justified. By focusing solely on the process of killing another human being Orwell exposes the brutal reality of capital punishment – writer’s purpose.

SYMBOLISM – THE DOG Why do you think Orwell decided to include a detailed description of the dog’s appearance in the prison yard?

SYMBOLISM - NOTE By noting that the dog goes directly to the prisoner instead of the officials Orwell uses symbolism to suggest that all people are equal regardless of their circumstances. The reaction of the prison officials to the appearance of the dog demonstrates their underlying discomfort at having to take a life – “Everyone stood aghast…” This symbolises and crystallises Orwell’s further belief that not only is capital punishment wrong, it is also against human nature to kill another person.

SYMBOLISM: DOG It is also a very ordinary detail– the description of the dog would allow the readers to identify more with this alien scene.

SYMBOLISM – THE PUDDLE What does Orwell suggest in his description of the prisoner avoiding a puddle while being led to the gallows?

SYMBOLISM – THE PUDDLE Although the prisoner is being led to his death he instinctively avoids a puddle in order to minimise his discomfort; a seemingly futile action. Symbolises human survival instinct and reiterates Orwell’s belief that taking life is against human nature. The prisoner strives to keep his dignity in contrast to the actions of the execution party.

IRONY One of the predominant tones throughout the essay is irony. For example, the prisoner dodging the puddle is ironic because he is going to die anyway. Find and quote 3 -4 further examples of irony in the essay. In each case explain how these examples relate to purpose of the essay. (look at paras 11, 13, 16, 17, 22 and 24)

IRONY - NOTE “The hangman, a grey haired convict…” – The authorities task the prisoners with killing other prisoners - Passing burden of responsibility – taking life unnatural. (11) “the same thought was in all our minds: oh, kill him quickly…” Orwell appears to want the killing to happen even though he is against it. Indicates the discomfort of everyone in the vicinity. Techniques used: word choice, description , declarative use of “oh” at start of statement emphasises power of emotion

IRONY (CONT. ) “He’s all right, said the superintendent” The prisoner is dead. Callous and uncaring statement – reader feels sympathy for the prisoner. “it seemed like quite a homely, jolly scene” An absurd sentiment indicating the relief of the officials now that the execution had been completed. What does this tell you about their feelings towards capital punishment?

IRONY (CONT. ) “My dear fellow…think of all the pain and trouble you are causing us” Another callous statement directed at a doomed prisoner. The resulting laughter from this anecdote indicates a lack of compassion. The light-hearted atmosphere, after the killing, is a false emotion and acts as a coping mechanism for the men – emphasises inhumane practice.

IRONY Contrast between the jovial mood of the party demonstrated through word choice, “chuckling”, “laughing again”, “amicably” (in a friendly manner)while “The dead man was a hundred yards away”. It is ironic that they react in this frivolous manner when the corpse is in their vicinity. Brutal and stark nature of the ending of a healthy life put in stark relief and emphasised by blunt short sentence.

QUESTION In paragraph 10 there is a change in tone where, for the first time, Orwell openly states his opinion on the events he witnessed. Find one phrase from this paragraph which indicates Orwell’s reflection on the events. Find one phrase which clearly indicates Orwell’s feelings. What do you notice about the sentence structure? What is the effect?

TONE - NOTE “It is curious…” – Reflective tone where Orwell goes on to describe his own feelings on the subject. “The unspeakable wrongness…” – Frankness of tone leaves the reader in no doubt about his opinion on capital punishment. Paragraph 10 is a key paragraph where he reflects and gives a clear, strong opinion on the event.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE “This man was not dying, he was alive just as we were alive” Contrasting balance between the two clauses separated by the comma and repetition of “alive” emphasise the absolute wrongness of the cutting short of life. This is further developed by the list contained within the parenthesis: “All the organs – bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself…- all toiling away in solemn foolery” Long list of natural bodily functions shows how complex biological life is how healthy the prisoner is, how we take them for granted and how terrible the crime of capital punishment is

QUESTION In paragraphs 1 and 2 there a number of examples of figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification etc. ) Quote 2 -3 examples and in each case explain the comparison being made and how this contributes to the writer’s purpose.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE (CONT…) “…like small animal cages…” Describes prisoners’ living conditions. Evokes reader sympathy. “it was like men handling a fish which is still alive…” Continues comparison between prisoners and animals. Highlights the helplessness of the prisoner – sympathy.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE (CONT…) “the Indians had gone grey like bad coffee…” Indicates the discomfort felt by the guards – emphasises dehumanising effect of the execution on the men – Orwell suggests that everybody involved in the execution is a victim.

QUESTION 1. What is the purpose of the parenthesis in paragraph 10? How does this contribute to the writer’s purpose?

SENTENCE STRUCTURE - NOTE The parenthesis contains a list of bodily functions “bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues forming” – which remind the reader that the prisoner is a healthy human being who is not ready to die.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE (CONT. ) The final two sentences of the essay are designed for maximum impact. “We all had a drink together, native and European alike, quite amicably. The dead man was a hundred yards away. ” The jovial scene of the penultimate sentence is contrasted with the nearby dead man. The final sentence is a short statement which neatly summarises Orwell’s message. Upon finishing reading the essay the reader is left to contemplate this vulgar scene – IMPACT

SENTENCE STRUCTURE (CONT. ) The line, “one mind less, one world less” is an example of a rhetorical device called ANAPHORA This involves the repetition of one or more words at the beginning of two or more balanced clauses. Designed to make a point more memorable.

ANAPHORA - NOTE OTHER FAMOUS EXAMPLES? “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” By ending the paragraph with the line, “one mind less, one world less”, Orwell emphasises that the prisoner is a living human being who is, not yet, ready to die – writer’s purpose.