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3 Jan 2026
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Key Themes in George Orwell's 'A Hanging'
M
@m_2005
1 / 5
Setting the Scene: Prison Atmosphere
Orwell masterfully creates a grim atmosphere from the very first line with his description of "a sodden morning of the rains." The word "sodden" suggests everything is weighed down and uncomfortable, whilst the rain hints at the miserable mood hanging over the prison camp.
The unnatural lighting adds to this unsettling mood. Orwell describes "a sickly light, like yellow tinfoil" - both "sickly" and "yellow" suggest illness and decay. This strange, dull sunlight creates a depressing atmosphere that reflects the prisoners' poor health and hints at the unnaturalness of what's about to happen.
Key insight: Orwell uses pathetic fallacy (weather reflecting mood) to immediately establish the essay's dark tone and foreshadow the execution.
The physical descriptions of prisoners reveal their dehumanised state. The condemned man is described as a "puny wisp of a man" - the word "wisp" suggests he's barely there, emphasising his malnourished and weakened condition.
Dehumanisation and the Symbolism of the Dog
The prisoners have been stripped of their individual identity - their "shaven heads" make them all look the same, whilst "vague liquid eyes" suggest both a lack of purpose and possible tears. One prisoner's moustache is "absurdly too big for his body," emphasising how malnourishment has made him frail and highlighting the inhumane treatment.
Their living conditions are described as "like small animal cages," showing they're treated worse than humans. The phrase "lashed his arms tight to his side" uses the word "lashed," which suggests pain and torture, demonstrating the guards' complete lack of care.
The dog provides crucial symbolism throughout the essay. It "leapt around us wagging its whole body," showing complete unawareness of the serious situation - a stark contrast to everyone else's tension.
Remember: The dog represents natural innocence and serves as Orwell's reminder that all humans deserve equal treatment.
Most significantly, the dog "made a dash for the prisoner, jumping up tried to lick his face." This shows the dog doesn't judge the prisoner based on his circumstances - it treats him as an equal human being.
The Turning Point: Orwell's Realisation
The turning point comes with a seemingly small moment: "he stepped slightly aside to avoid a puddle on the path." Despite being led to his death, the prisoner instinctively avoids discomfort. This futile action powerfully highlights his humanity and will to live.
This moment triggers Orwell's moral awakening: "I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide." He compares life to a tide, emphasising how precious and ongoing life is - this man still has so much to live for.
Orwell's realisation becomes crystal clear: "This man was not dying, he was alive just as we were alive." The direct comparison makes it impossible for Orwell to distance himself from the prisoner's humanity. He understands that the condemned man doesn't deserve this fate.
Critical point: This moment of empathy becomes the essay's central argument against capital punishment.
The list of bodily functions - "bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing" - reminds readers that the prisoner is a healthy human being, not ready to die, making the execution even more morally questionable.
Irony and Coping Mechanisms
After the execution, there's a disturbing shift in atmosphere. Orwell notes: "I found that I was laughing quite loudly. Everyone was laughing." This light-hearted mood seems completely inappropriate, but it's actually a false emotion - a coping mechanism the men use to deal with what they've just witnessed.
The callous humour continues with comments like "my dear fellow, think of all the pain and trouble you are causing to us!" directed at the doomed prisoner. The resulting laughter shows a disturbing lack of compassion, but also reveals how people disconnect from uncomfortable moral situations.
The prison staff are portrayed with telling details. The superintendent has a "grey toothbrush moustache and a gruff voice" - "grey" and "gruff" suggest he's old and constantly shouting, whilst another official wears a "white drill suit and gold spectacles," appearing flashy and self-important.
Think about it: Orwell shows how people use dark humour and detachment to avoid confronting moral guilt.
These character descriptions reveal the hierarchy and attitudes within the colonial prison system, where appearance and authority matter more than humanity.
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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
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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
Key Themes in George Orwell's 'A Hanging'
M
@m_2005
George Orwell's essay "A Hanging" gives you a powerful glimpse into a colonial prison where the author witnesses an execution. Through vivid descriptions and symbolism, Orwell explores the moral horror of capital punishment and questions the dehumanisation of prisoners.
Setting the Scene: Prison Atmosphere
Orwell masterfully creates a grim atmosphere from the very first line with his description of "a sodden morning of the rains." The word "sodden" suggests everything is weighed down and uncomfortable, whilst the rain hints at the miserable mood hanging over the prison camp.
The unnatural lighting adds to this unsettling mood. Orwell describes "a sickly light, like yellow tinfoil" - both "sickly" and "yellow" suggest illness and decay. This strange, dull sunlight creates a depressing atmosphere that reflects the prisoners' poor health and hints at the unnaturalness of what's about to happen.
Key insight: Orwell uses pathetic fallacy (weather reflecting mood) to immediately establish the essay's dark tone and foreshadow the execution.
The physical descriptions of prisoners reveal their dehumanised state. The condemned man is described as a "puny wisp of a man" - the word "wisp" suggests he's barely there, emphasising his malnourished and weakened condition.
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Dehumanisation and the Symbolism of the Dog
The prisoners have been stripped of their individual identity - their "shaven heads" make them all look the same, whilst "vague liquid eyes" suggest both a lack of purpose and possible tears. One prisoner's moustache is "absurdly too big for his body," emphasising how malnourishment has made him frail and highlighting the inhumane treatment.
Their living conditions are described as "like small animal cages," showing they're treated worse than humans. The phrase "lashed his arms tight to his side" uses the word "lashed," which suggests pain and torture, demonstrating the guards' complete lack of care.
The dog provides crucial symbolism throughout the essay. It "leapt around us wagging its whole body," showing complete unawareness of the serious situation - a stark contrast to everyone else's tension.
Remember: The dog represents natural innocence and serves as Orwell's reminder that all humans deserve equal treatment.
Most significantly, the dog "made a dash for the prisoner, jumping up tried to lick his face." This shows the dog doesn't judge the prisoner based on his circumstances - it treats him as an equal human being.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Turning Point: Orwell's Realisation
The turning point comes with a seemingly small moment: "he stepped slightly aside to avoid a puddle on the path." Despite being led to his death, the prisoner instinctively avoids discomfort. This futile action powerfully highlights his humanity and will to live.
This moment triggers Orwell's moral awakening: "I saw the mystery, the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide." He compares life to a tide, emphasising how precious and ongoing life is - this man still has so much to live for.
Orwell's realisation becomes crystal clear: "This man was not dying, he was alive just as we were alive." The direct comparison makes it impossible for Orwell to distance himself from the prisoner's humanity. He understands that the condemned man doesn't deserve this fate.
Critical point: This moment of empathy becomes the essay's central argument against capital punishment.
The list of bodily functions - "bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing" - reminds readers that the prisoner is a healthy human being, not ready to die, making the execution even more morally questionable.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Irony and Coping Mechanisms
After the execution, there's a disturbing shift in atmosphere. Orwell notes: "I found that I was laughing quite loudly. Everyone was laughing." This light-hearted mood seems completely inappropriate, but it's actually a false emotion - a coping mechanism the men use to deal with what they've just witnessed.
The callous humour continues with comments like "my dear fellow, think of all the pain and trouble you are causing to us!" directed at the doomed prisoner. The resulting laughter shows a disturbing lack of compassion, but also reveals how people disconnect from uncomfortable moral situations.
The prison staff are portrayed with telling details. The superintendent has a "grey toothbrush moustache and a gruff voice" - "grey" and "gruff" suggest he's old and constantly shouting, whilst another official wears a "white drill suit and gold spectacles," appearing flashy and self-important.
Think about it: Orwell shows how people use dark humour and detachment to avoid confronting moral guilt.
These character descriptions reveal the hierarchy and attitudes within the colonial prison system, where appearance and authority matter more than humanity.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
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Most popular content: George Orwell
Most popular content in English Language
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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