A Hanging by George Orwelldepicts a powerful account of... Show more
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8
0
emily
08/08/2025
English
George Orwell’s ‘ A Hanging’
326
•
8 Aug 2025
•
Explore 'Burmese Days' and George Orwell's Stories!
emily
@emilywatson
Page 2: The March to the Gallows
As the procession towards the gallows begins, Orwell continues to build tension and highlight the surreal nature of the situation. The precise formation of the guards around the prisoner emphasizes the power dynamics at play and the inevitability of the outcome.
Quote: "Two warders marched on either side of the prisoner, with their rifles at the slope; two marched close against him, gripping him by arm and shoulder, as though at once pushing and supporting him."
The author introduces an unexpected element that disrupts the solemn procession – a stray dog. This seemingly insignificant event becomes a powerful symbol in the narrative.
Highlight: The appearance of the dog serves as a reminder of the vitality and spontaneity of life, contrasting sharply with the regimented and death-focused atmosphere of the prison.
Orwell uses this moment to illustrate a profound realization about the nature of life and death. The prisoner's instinctive action of stepping aside to avoid a puddle becomes a poignant symbol of the human will to live and the absurdity of the situation.
Example: "I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide."
This realization marks a turning point in the narrator's perspective, forcing him to confront the moral implications of his role in the execution. The frank admission of the wrongness of the act leaves no doubt about Orwell's stance on capital punishment.
The author's detailed description of the prisoner's physical state serves to humanize him further, reminding the reader of the fundamental sameness of all human beings, regardless of their circumstances.
Vocabulary: The term "capital punishment" refers to the practice of executing someone as punishment for a crime.
Through this powerful and evocative narrative, Orwell challenges the reader to consider the ethical implications of capital punishment and the dehumanizing effects of colonial rule. The story serves as a critique of the British Raj and its justice system, drawing on Orwell's personal experiences in Burma to create a compelling argument against the practice of execution.
Pages 3-4 appear to be missing from the provided transcript, so I cannot provide summaries for those pages.
Page 3: The Execution
The central scene depicts the actual execution process, revealing both the mechanical nature of the procedure and its profound emotional impact on all present.
Quote: "Ram! Ram! Ram! Ram!" - The prisoner's final religious invocation
Vocabulary: Servile - Showing excessive willingness to serve or please others
Highlight: The guards' discomfort and the dehumanizing effect of the execution process on everyone involved
This section powerfully illustrates the psychological toll of capital punishment on both the condemned and their executioners.
Page 1: Setting the Scene
George Orwell's "A Hanging" opens on a rainy morning in a Burmese prison, painting a grim picture of the colonial justice system. The author vividly describes the oppressive atmosphere and the dehumanizing conditions faced by the prisoners.
Highlight: The story begins with a powerful description: "It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard."
The setting is crucial in establishing the tone of the narrative. The condemned cells are described as "a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages," emphasizing the inhumane treatment of the prisoners. This comparison sets the stage for the central theme of dehumanization that runs throughout the story.
Vocabulary: The term "condemned cells" refers to the area where prisoners awaiting execution are held.
Orwell introduces the main character, a Hindu prisoner, with a mix of pity and dark humor. The prisoner is described as "a puny wisp of a man, with a shaven head and vague liquid eyes," highlighting his vulnerability and the toll of imprisonment on his physical state.
Example: The author uses a simile to describe the prisoner's moustache as "absurdly too big for his body, rather like the moustache of a comic man on the films," creating a jarring contrast between the gravity of the situation and the almost comical appearance of the condemned man.
The preparation for the hanging is described in meticulous detail, emphasizing the mechanical and impersonal nature of the process. The warders' actions are portrayed as both forceful and oddly gentle, "with their hands always on him in a careful, caressing grip," illustrating the complex emotions involved in carrying out an execution.
Definition: Warders are prison guards or officers responsible for supervising and controlling prisoners.
The superintendent's impatience and casual attitude towards the impending execution further underscore the routine nature of this grim task in colonial Burma. His irritated comment, "For God's sake hurry up, Francis... The man ought to have been dead by this time," reveals a disturbing detachment from the gravity of taking a human life.
We thought you’d never ask...
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App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Explore 'Burmese Days' and George Orwell's Stories!
emily
@emilywatson
A Hanging by George Orwelldepicts a powerful account of a prison execution in colonial Burma, exploring themes of humanity, mortality, and the moral implications of capital punishment. The narrative provides a haunting glimpse into the British colonial justice system... Show more
Page 2: The March to the Gallows
As the procession towards the gallows begins, Orwell continues to build tension and highlight the surreal nature of the situation. The precise formation of the guards around the prisoner emphasizes the power dynamics at play and the inevitability of the outcome.
Quote: "Two warders marched on either side of the prisoner, with their rifles at the slope; two marched close against him, gripping him by arm and shoulder, as though at once pushing and supporting him."
The author introduces an unexpected element that disrupts the solemn procession – a stray dog. This seemingly insignificant event becomes a powerful symbol in the narrative.
Highlight: The appearance of the dog serves as a reminder of the vitality and spontaneity of life, contrasting sharply with the regimented and death-focused atmosphere of the prison.
Orwell uses this moment to illustrate a profound realization about the nature of life and death. The prisoner's instinctive action of stepping aside to avoid a puddle becomes a poignant symbol of the human will to live and the absurdity of the situation.
Example: "I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide."
This realization marks a turning point in the narrator's perspective, forcing him to confront the moral implications of his role in the execution. The frank admission of the wrongness of the act leaves no doubt about Orwell's stance on capital punishment.
The author's detailed description of the prisoner's physical state serves to humanize him further, reminding the reader of the fundamental sameness of all human beings, regardless of their circumstances.
Vocabulary: The term "capital punishment" refers to the practice of executing someone as punishment for a crime.
Through this powerful and evocative narrative, Orwell challenges the reader to consider the ethical implications of capital punishment and the dehumanizing effects of colonial rule. The story serves as a critique of the British Raj and its justice system, drawing on Orwell's personal experiences in Burma to create a compelling argument against the practice of execution.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Pages 3-4 appear to be missing from the provided transcript, so I cannot provide summaries for those pages.
Page 3: The Execution
The central scene depicts the actual execution process, revealing both the mechanical nature of the procedure and its profound emotional impact on all present.
Quote: "Ram! Ram! Ram! Ram!" - The prisoner's final religious invocation
Vocabulary: Servile - Showing excessive willingness to serve or please others
Highlight: The guards' discomfort and the dehumanizing effect of the execution process on everyone involved
This section powerfully illustrates the psychological toll of capital punishment on both the condemned and their executioners.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: Setting the Scene
George Orwell's "A Hanging" opens on a rainy morning in a Burmese prison, painting a grim picture of the colonial justice system. The author vividly describes the oppressive atmosphere and the dehumanizing conditions faced by the prisoners.
Highlight: The story begins with a powerful description: "It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard."
The setting is crucial in establishing the tone of the narrative. The condemned cells are described as "a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages," emphasizing the inhumane treatment of the prisoners. This comparison sets the stage for the central theme of dehumanization that runs throughout the story.
Vocabulary: The term "condemned cells" refers to the area where prisoners awaiting execution are held.
Orwell introduces the main character, a Hindu prisoner, with a mix of pity and dark humor. The prisoner is described as "a puny wisp of a man, with a shaven head and vague liquid eyes," highlighting his vulnerability and the toll of imprisonment on his physical state.
Example: The author uses a simile to describe the prisoner's moustache as "absurdly too big for his body, rather like the moustache of a comic man on the films," creating a jarring contrast between the gravity of the situation and the almost comical appearance of the condemned man.
The preparation for the hanging is described in meticulous detail, emphasizing the mechanical and impersonal nature of the process. The warders' actions are portrayed as both forceful and oddly gentle, "with their hands always on him in a careful, caressing grip," illustrating the complex emotions involved in carrying out an execution.
Definition: Warders are prison guards or officers responsible for supervising and controlling prisoners.
The superintendent's impatience and casual attitude towards the impending execution further underscore the routine nature of this grim task in colonial Burma. His irritated comment, "For God's sake hurry up, Francis... The man ought to have been dead by this time," reveals a disturbing detachment from the gravity of taking a human life.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user