Reflection on George Orwell's Essay "A Hanging" and Its Context

A Hanging

 – George Orwell

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 20th

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 south-

east 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

.

W

r

i

t

e

r

’

s

P

u

r

p

o

s

e

-

N

o

t

e

•

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.

•

Orwell paints a wonderfully intense picture of the man condemned to

death, the jailers walking away, and the dog's unpredictable actions amidst

the solemn occasion.

•

The execution's formality allows the participants to automatically and

thoughtlessly conduct their business.

•

The condemned man's automatic action of side-stepping the puddle,

important to one's own continuing comfort later in the day, makes Orwell

begin to think about the difference between being alive and being dead,

and the horror of what is being done in killing the man. He is alive, his

toenails are growing, his blood is pumping, yet he avoids wetting his feet in

that moment while in the next moment he will be dead, gone from the

world.

•

Ultimately, Orwell contemplates how tradition and ritual prevent

participants from thinking about their actions. Such ideas resonate through

Orwell's writing through to 

Nineteen Eighty-Four

.

Q

u

e

s

t

i

o

n

s

–

P

a

r

a

s

1

a

n

d

2

1.

What evidence is there for the poor condition of the prisoners?

For each quote 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

?

S

y

m

p

a

t

h

y

f

o

r

t

h

e

P

r

i

s

o

n

e

r

-

S

e

t

t

i

n

g

•

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

”

S

y

m

p

a

t

h

y

f

o

r

t

h

e

P

r

i

s

o

n

e

r

–

P

h

y

s

i

c

a

l

D

e

s

c

r

i

p

t

i

o

n

•

“

squatting

” – 

continues animal image

•

“

a puny wisp of a man

” – 

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?

In what way does this comparison contribute to the 

writer’s

purpose

?

C

o

n

t

r

a

s

t

–

G

u

a

r

d

s

a

n

d

P

r

i

s

o

n

e

r

•

The prison guards are described as “

tall Indian warders

” and one, in

particular, as a “

fat Dravidian

”

•

These descriptions of healthy, well-fed guards contrast with the ill

treatment of the prisoners .

•

In doing so Orwell stimulates the reader’s sympathy for the

prisoners, who seem so frail and vulnerable in comparison – 

writer’s

purpose.

For what crime is the prisoner being executed?

•

Orwell 

omits

 to mention the prisoner’s crime as he does not want

the reader to make any judgement about the whether or not the

death penalty was justified.

•

By focussing 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?

•

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

 Orwell’s further belief that not only is capital

punishment wrong, it is also 

against human nature to kill

another person

.

What does Orwell suggest in his description of the prisoner avoiding

a puddle while being led to the gallows?

•

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.

1) 

See paragraph 2

.  What impression do you get of the prisoner?

2) How does this compare to the impression you get from the warders who guard him?

3) What techniques are used by Orwell in this paragraph and what do you think

Orwell’s purpose is in using them?

4) 

In paragraph 3-5

, what impression do you get of:

a)

the superintendent

b) Francis the head jailer.

Consider their attitude towards the proceedings and their character.

5) What is interesting about the structure of 

paragraphs 1 -7?

6) 

Look at paragraph 6

.  What is unusual/interesting about the ideas and structure of

the sentence:

“Two warders marched on either side of the prisoner, with their rifles at the slope; two

others marched close against him, gripping him by arm and shoulder, as though at

once pushing and supporting him”.

7) 

Look at paragraph 6

.  Write down three words or phrases that describe the

behaviour of the dog.  What impression does Orwell give of it and what is his purpose

in doing so?

8) 

Look at paragraph 7

.  What is ironic about the phrase “bloody brute”?

9) Why do you think the incident with the dog is so upsetting for the characters and for

the reader?

10) 

Look at how paragraphs 6, 9 & 11 begin

.  Can you see any similarities?  Why has

Orwell structured his writing this way?

Questions on ‘A Hanging’

1) See paragraph 2.  What impression do you get of the

prisoner?

Pathetic/defenceless/feel sympathy/comic so non-

threatening.

2) How does this compare to the impression you get from the

warders who guard him?

Aggressive/Threatening/Many of them/Contrasts with the

prisoner.

3) What techniques are used by Orwell in this paragraph and what do

you think Orwell’s purpose is in using them?

•

Characterisation – contrast prisoner with warders – in order to make

you feel that their actions are wrong and unjustified.

•

Figurative language – emphasise above.

•

Oxymoron “careful, caressing grip” – ironic to pretend to care

considering what they will do to the man.

4) In paragraph 3-5, what impression do you get of:

a) the superintendent.

b) Francis the head jailer.

Consider their attitude towards the proceedings and their

character.

A) Superintendent – severe, serious figure.  Not likeable.  Like an army

sergeant – discipline, order - in order to cope with his job.

B) Francis – Comical figure (accent) “bubbled” etc.  Not likeable –

seems sycophantic.  Official phrases – order – ritual.

5) What is interesting about the structure of the first seven paragraphs?

•

Paragraph 5 & 7 very short stand alone lines.  Both seem to highlight

the attitude of those in charge (job/ritual) and cruelty.

•

Each step of the proceedings made clear at beginning of paragraphs to

emphasise the stages of the proceedings – the journey to the gallows.

6) 

Look at P6.  

What is unusual/interesting about the ideas and

structure of the sentence:

“Two warders marched on either side of the prisoner, with their rifles at the slope; two

others marched close against him, gripping him by arm and shoulder, as though at once

pushing and supporting him”.

Long sentence to emphasise the number of warders restraining the

prisoner and the number of ways they do this.  Emphasises impending

violence/threatening atmosphere.

Consider Orwell’s description of the prisoner and his wardens.  What

impression do you get of this man compared to the men who guard him?

•

One prisoner had been brought out of his cell. He was a Hindu, 

a puny wisp

of a man

, with a shaven head and 

vague liquid eyes

. He had a thick,

sprouting moustache, absurdly 

too big for his body

, rather 

like the

moustache of a comic man on the films

   [. . .] But he stood 

quite unresisting,

yielding his arms limply to the ropes

, as though he hardly noticed what was

happening.

•

Six tall Indian warders

 were guarding him and getting him ready for the

gallows. Two of them stood by with 

rifles and fixed bayonets

, while the

others handcuffed him, passed a chain through his handcuffs and fixed it to

their belts, and 

lashed his arms tight to his sides.

Characterisation

•

“puny wisp of a man”

 – weak, skinny, unable to defend himself.

•

“vague liquid eyes”

 – sadness, confusion.

•

“

too big for his body, rather like the moustache of a comic man on the

films”

 – not at all threatening.  Small body – child-like.

•

“quite unresisting”

 – passive acceptance.

•

“limply”

 – weak and resigned to his fate.

JUXTAPOSED 

with the wardens (Juxtaposition)

•

Many of them.  Tall, where prisoner is tiny.

•

They carry weapons where he is defenceless.

•

“lashed his arms tightly”

 – violence and force where prisoner is weak

and passive.

Notes

•

The focus of the essay is the prisoner’s walk to the gallows.  Orwell

repeatedly mentions the gallows and how the distance decreases.

•

The effect is to convey the increasing sense of tension as the prisoner’s

execution approaches.

•

This concentration on the gallows throws Orwell’s thoughts on killing the

prisoner into sharp focus.

•

The incident with the dog is probably an ironic device.  Its intrusion delays

the prisoner’s execution.  However, more importantly, we compare the

dog’s horror of what happens to the authorities’ cruel detachment.  That a

mere dog seems shocked that human beings could act in such a way shows

these humans’ lack of morals and sensitivity.

Narrative Structure

Orwell uses irony as an indictment of capital punishment.

•

The dog’s reaction is just one example of irony.

•

Another is, as the prisoner cries out, Orwell wishes the man

was dead so he could no longer witness such a disturbing

scene.

Irony

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.

Task

Find and underline 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 12, 14, 17, 18, 23 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.

“

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.

Irony (cont.)

“

He’s all right, said the superintendent

”

•

The prisoner is far from alright: he’s 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

”

•

One of the prison staff recalls an incident when a prisoner

had to be forced to go to the gallows.  This is a serious and

gruesome anecdote and yet the officials laugh, which

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, and how dehumanising it

can for those who carry it out.

What is the purpose of the 

parenthesis

 in paragraph 10? How does

this contribute to the writer’s purpose?

•

The parenthesis contains 

a list of bodily

functions

 - “

bowels digesting

food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues

forming

”

•

Orwell’s reflection on the prisoner’s muscles, nails, and tissue

conveys the idea that we all presume that life goes on.  Here, the

prisoner’s body is renewing itself yet the man himself will be dead

within seconds.

•

This reminds the reader that the prisoner is a 

healthy human being

who is 

not ready to die

.

•

Very poignant reflection;  it is unnatural to cut “a life short when it is

in full tide”.

•

Orwell’s reflection is not part of the narrative. When Orwell

thinks about the morality of killing someone, it acts as an

insertion rather than part of the story of what happened.

•

Orwell uses many verbs to stress the continuous nature of

action: walking, seeing, hearing, understanding...

•

In contrast, death is conveyed as being abrupt and

deliberate:

“with a sudden snap” 

– use of onomatopoeia, sibilance

•

The enormity of what is lost, a man’s life, is stressed by the

phrase “one mind less, one world less” - parallel structure

Theme

11) When does the passage alter in tone, with

Orwell’s personal thoughts on the hanging becoming

defined?

12) Obviously, Orwell is against the death penalty.

What are his main objections?

13) What are we told (or not told) about the prisoner

which makes the reader feel sympathy for him?

Theme

•

Orwell uses delayed revelation or climax. The hanging is

delayed by the intrusion of the dog and the time given for

the prisoner to pray to his god.

14) What is the effect of both incidents? Do they add or

lessen the sense of tension?

Climax

•

Another feature is the end of the essay - it does not end with the

actual hanging.

•

The officials’ grisly anecdotes about past executions are ironic:

“We reasoned with him.. ”think of all the trouble you are causing

us”.

•

These stories being inappropriate are slightly humorous. This

reflects the easing of tension in the men after the execution.

•

The mundane (feeding the prisoners) continues. Life goes on (the

officials have a drink) in contrast with the sudden end to the

prisoner’s life.

15) How does the last line highlight this juxtaposition?

•

Orwell’s use of understatement (or litotes) to describe awful

events is so shocking it is almost comic.

•

At the beginning the superintendent refers to the execution

as “this job”

.

16) What is Orwell trying to stress about the official and the

effect that such work has had on him?

The same official’s response to the prisoner’s death is even

more shocking.

17) As with the description of the horrific anecdotes, what

point is Orwell making about those who deal with

executions?

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

.

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.

Question

•

In paragraphs 1 and 2 there are 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.

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

.

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

Choose a novel or a short story or a work of non-fiction which

deals with an important issue or theme.

By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the issue or

theme is explored.

Detail            

Understatement

Style             

Irony

Setting          

Climax

Structure      

Theme

Characterisation

Language

There are two different ways to organise/structure your essay.

1) Writing about a different technique in each paragraph.

2) Writing a paragraph about each significant part of the text and the

techniques used for each.

Structuring the Essay

Thesis/overall argument: 

Orwell explores the issue of the

immorality of capital punishment, and the impact it has on

those who encounter it.

Key parts of the text (on which to write a paragraph):

•

Setting at the beginning.

•

Characterisation at beginning.

•

The incident with the dog (delaying climax – tension).

•

The puddle (author’s epiphany) variety of techniques – v

emotive.

•

The hanging itself (mention structure – tension).

•

The officials’ behaviour afterwards/the end.

Introduction

•

TART – Title, Author, Refer to Task

•

Briefly summarise essay

•

Outline points

Sample Essay

‘A Hanging’ by George Orwell is a provocative essay within which

the writer explores the cruelty and wider impact of capital

punishment. Orwell gives a poignant and emotive description of

a hanging he witnessed in 1920’s Burma while working in the

police and the effect this horrific event had on his opinion of

Capital Punishment. Orwell’s use of detail, style and setting

effectively portray the immorality of such severe punishment, as

well as explore the effect such work has on the officials who

must carry out this most awful of tasks.

•

Your topic sentence should make a clear 

Point

 that relates to your question.

This may include the techniques used by Orwell to explore this theme/issue.

•

You must not simply tell a bit of the story – this is not a point!

•

Evidence

•

Remember to provide context of quotation:  make it clear which part of the

essay you are referring to (who/where etc).

•

Quotation:  Choose one that allows you to analyse as many techniques as

possible.  Not one that you could simply explain in your own words.

•

Evaluation

: 

Wring that quotation dry!  Link your analysis of the quotation to

the task.  This should form the bulk of your paragraph.

Paragraph 1

•

Opening

•

The essay begins with a negative description of the setting

which instantly has an impact on the reader, emphasises

how immoral this punishment is.

•

Setting – pathetic fallacy

•

Animal cages

The opening lines of Orwell’s essay immediately depict a vivid image of the setting,

which foreshadows the awful conclusion and creates sympathy for the prisoners. I

the opening lines, Orwell uses pathetic fallacy to create a sense of the bleak,

depressing prison:

“It was Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was

slanting over the high walls into the jail yard.”

The mood of these lines is very fitting to the events which will later take place: a

horrible, miserable day on which a gut-wrenching, macabre task will be carried out.

The word “sickly” suggests not only the notion of decay, but also the idea of

something being ill or wrong. Moreover, this use of pathetic fallacy is symbolic of

sadness, foreboding, and imminent tragedy, all of which is apparent here. This

contributes greatly to the mood of this particular essay, and the tragedy contained

within it. Orwell’s exploration of the immorality of capital punishment is also

noticeable for the first time in the opening of the essay, when we are given a

description of the prison’s cramped and crowded conditions:

“We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double

bars, like small animal cages.”

Words such as “high walls” and “jail yard” are used to make it clear that Orwell’s

essay is set in a high security jail, again re-iterating the restriction and foreboding of

the prison. As well as this, the imagery used to describe the conditions the prisoners

are kept in show us that they are essentially treated as animals, dehumanised,

emphasising the cruelty they experience, and increasing our sympathy for them.

Paragraph 2

•

Opening

•

Juxtaposition – description of guards vs. prisoner

•

Understatement – guard mentioning “this job”, desensitised

Paragraph 3

•

Dog incident; delays to hanging

•

Orwell structures the narrative of this essay in order to

delay the hanging and therefore create tension for the

reader.

•

Ironic device – humans’ lack of morals

•

Repetition of “the gallows”; decreases as essay progresses

•

Prisoner praying to his god - delayed revelation/climax

Orwell introduces an anecdote involving a dog in paragraph six,

an ironic insertion into the action of the essay:

“It came bounding among us with a loud volley of

barks…before anyone could stop it, it had made a dash for the

prisoner, and jumping up tried to lick his face.”

The dog is ecstatic to come across this large group of humans

for in its experience, humans represent fun. The dog is

completely oblivious to the fact that it has intruded upon the

most grave of situations. It has ironically come upon a group

who are about to engage in the ritualistic killing of one of its

members. Orwell’s point of view seems particularly clear when

he describes the prisoner’s last gasp attempt at maintaining his

dignity:

“And once, in spite of the men who gripped him by each

shoulder, he stepped slightly aside to avoid a puddle on his

path”

The harsh reality of the heart-breaking situation is evident: the

man is going to lose his life, yet he retains enough dignity and

pride to take the kind of precautions that any other person

would when avoiding puddles.

Paragraph 4

•

Puddle Incident

•

Orwell’s personal feelings on Capital Punishment soon

become apparent when the prisoner encounters a puddle

on his way to the gallows and at this point I found the

essay to be particularly provocative.

•

Tone changes

•

Wrong, unnatural, enormity of action

•

Ironic contrast – does not want prisoner to die but wants

hanging to be over.

It is during his description of the man’s final walk to the gallows that

Orwell reaches an epiphany, realising how terribly wrong this type

of punishment is:

“When I saw the prisoner step aside to avoid the puddle, I saw the

mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting short a man’s life

when it is in full tide”.

The word choice of “unspeakable” conveys Orwell’s depth of

feeling, suggesting that to commit such an act should not even be

spoken of, never mind carried out. He also rails against how

unnatural it is, killing a healthy man in “full tide” of his life. Orwell

underlines this point further, emphasising that this execution is

against nature :

“All the organs of his body were working – bowels digesting food,

skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues forming.”

Orwell’s list of the functioning parts of the man’s body suggests he

is frantically attempting to find out all the reasons why the prisoner

should be allowed to live, thus further emphasising what he sees as

the immorality of this punishment.

The tone of “A Hanging” undergoes a drastic change following

the incident with puddle. The opening of the essay includes

factual, objective descriptions of the prison and its prisoners.

However, as the essay develops, and indeed by it sense of

finality, a highly personal tone has been adopted. Orwell has

clearly been touched by the progressing events, which is clear

in the alteration of his tone.

Paragraph 5

•

After the Hanging

•

The fact that Orwell does not end his essay with the

hanging but instead chooses to focus on the almost jolly

reactions of those involved, is something which provoked a

strong reaction in the reader.

•

Understatement of guard.  Immune to reality?

•

Inappropriate anecdotes

•

Juxtaposition: death and ‘life goes on’

Another most interesting aspect of Orwell’s essay is the extent to

which it continues after the hanging itself. The anecdotes which

follow the hanging are unexpected, out of place and certainly in bad

taste. However, the anecdotes also seem highly ironic and due to

their distastefulness, slightly humorous. This is particularly true of

the story concerning Francis, and the “troublesome” prisoner who

struggled to avoid being executed:

“We reasoned with him…”

Given the situation in hand, the use of the word “reason” seems

highly inappropriate and therefore slightly humorous. This humour

appears to reflect the easing of the considerable tension which has

built up throughout the process of the execution. This is also

extremely important within the context of the essay. Orwell’s use of

numerous verbs: “seeing”, “feeling” and “walking” emphasise the

continuous nature of action:

“In two minutes, with a sudden snap, one of us would be gone.”

The suddenness of the prisoner’s death is described in a particularly

saddening way: the man’s life is over, yet those around him

continue to laugh and joke.

Similarly, Orwell uses understatement in such and apparently

unfeeling way that it is almost comical:

“He’s all right,” said the superintendent”

Orwell attempts here to show the dehumanising which occurs

when one takes part in the killing of another person. Through

his use of understatement, he is forcing us to share his view on

the “essential wrongness of taking another human being’s life”.

•

You must clearly explain EACH STAGE of the development of Orwell’s views on

this issue.  Explain which technique was used at each stage.

e.g.

•

Through the setting Orwell shows the vulnerability of the prisoners about to face

execution…

•

When Orwell writes about his first observation of the prisoner and the way he is

treated, his characterisation suggests that he is beginning to see the wrongness

in the authorities, who have a duty of care, executing a human being…

•

Orwell’s criticism of capital punishment become more solidified when [puddle]. . .

The reader feels…

•

The way Orwell describes the hanging itself through powerful imagery makes us…

•

The powerful and disturbing ending of the essay…

•

Overall, ‘A Hanging’ is a… essay which makes the reader contemplate…

Conclusion

•

TRY NOT TO BEGIN WITH:

 In conclusion/To conclude…

•

‘A Hanging’ is undoubtedly a provocative essay which I

believe Orwell has carefully constructed in order to make a

great impact on the reader.  From the essay’s opening with a

negative description of setting, through the building tension

as the prisoner makes his way to the gallows, to the guards’

reactions after the prisoner has been hanged, we are left in

no doubt about Orwell’s views on the immorality of capital

punishment.  By the end of the essay, the reader feels that it

has such an impact on us that we too share Orwell’s views.