A Hanging

Question 1

Introduction

What type of text is ‘A Hanging’ by George Orwell?

Answer 1

‘A Hanging’ is a non-fiction prose

Question 2

Introduction

When did colonialism in Burma take place?

Answer 2

1920s

Question 3

Introduction

On surface, what is ‘A Hanging’ by George Orwell about?

Answer 3

A Hindi man who is put on death row for an unknown crime.

Question 4

Introduction

How is ‘A Hanging’ relevant in modern society?

Answer 4

It is a continued practice in multiple countries across the globe.

Question 5

Introduction

What will my four paragraphs explore?

Answer 5

1. Grim Setting
2. Immorality of humanity through the symbolism of the dog.
3. Orwell’s epiphany about life through the puddle incident.
4. The harrowing effect of the hanging on the guards and its aftermath.

Question 6

Introduction

What does ‘A Hanging’ reveal about the dark truth behind capital punishment?

Answer 6

Those who do not conform to their regime or established rules are deemed unworthy of life.

Question 7

Introduction

We know that the writer uses various literary techniques, but what exactly does this prompt the reader to consider?

Answer 7

It forces the reader to question whether capital punishment is moral

Question 8

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

What simile does Orwell use to describe the substandard prison conditions the captives were subjected to?

Answer 8

“like small animal cages”

Question 9

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

The writer deliberately uses the simile “like small animal cages.” What does this highlight?

Answer 9

This deliberate use of language highlights its dehumanising nature.

Rather than treating the prisoner with compassion as they drew nearer to their death, they were stripped of every last remnant of dignity.

Question 10

Paragraph 1 - Grim setting

What does the “small animal cages” illustrate?

Answer 10

Cramped prison cells.

Question 11

Paragraph 1 - Grim setting

How do colonialists instil their perception of control and order?

Answer 11

They handpicked a select group of people who supported their regime and utilised that support to turn the inhabitants against one another.

Question 12

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

How did Orwell describe the condemned man?

(physique wise)

Answer 12

“Puny wisp of a man”

Question 13

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

What literary techniques did Orwell use when he described the condemned man as a “puny wisp of a man”

Answer 13

Characterisation and vivid imagery

Question 14

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

What does “wisp” connote to?

Answer 14

The imagery of the word “wisp” connotes to a cloud; being nearly there and yet, almost completely gone.

Question 15

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

How does Orwell use the metaphor “puny wisp of a man” as a form of imagery?

Answer 15

This emphasises that he was quite feeble and malnourished, which reveals his lack of basic care from his captors - like food and other necessities.

Question 16

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

When Orwell uses the metaphor “puny wisp of a man,” how is this an effective use of characterisation?

Answer 16

This shows that the prisoner is incredibly weak and unthreatening, which contrasts sharply with the unnecessarily harsh measures to restrain him by the prison guards.

Question 17

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

Orwell uses a metaphor to describe the condemned man’s eye. What did he write?

Answer 17

“Vague liquid eyes”

Question 18

Paragraph 1 - Grim setting

What does the metaphor “vague liquid eyes” symbolise?

Answer 18

Orwell uses a metaphor by describing his eyes as “vague liquid” to symbolise his despondence and acceptance in the outcome— knowing that is irreversible and beyond escape.

Question 19

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

How is it evident that the prison guards used excessive force against the prisoner?

Answer 19

The guards kept a domineering presence: they towered over him; crowded around him very closely; and gripped him tightly.

Question 20

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

How does the prisoner’s mistreatment evoke audience sympathy?

Answer 20

Orwell effective paints the narrative of an us vs them situation, where the prisoner is portrayed as a helpless underdog against and cruel merciless regime.

Question 21

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

How does the prisoner’s mistreatment evoke a contemplative audience reaction?

Answer 21

This prompts the reader to think more deeply about the question of whether any system has the right to take the life of someone who is very clearly still alive and conscious.

The contrast between the condemned man’s impotence and the overwhelming force of the prison guards shows that capital punishment is cruel and disproportionate.

This shows that even though the reader is unaware of the condemend man’s crimes, it is unforgivable to treat a fellow human in such a horrific manner.

Question 22

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

What contrast is shown between the prison guard and the condemned Hindi man?

Finally, what does this show?

Answer 22

The contrast between his impotence and the overwhelming force of the prison guards.

This shows that capital punishment is cruel and disproportionate.

Question 23

Paragraph 1 - Grim Setting

What is the one question that the grim setting forces the audience to reflect on?

Answer 23

Does any system ever have the right to take the life of someone who is very clearly alive and conscious?

Question 24

Paragraph 2 - Immorality of humanity/Symbolism of Dog

How does Orwell use irony to emphasise the mistreatment towards the condemned man?

• Comment on its entrance into the yards.

Answer 24

The dog is treated significantly better than the prisoner.

We know this because the dog can roam freely compared to the prisoner, who was trapped in a cage.

Question 25

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What is Orwell's second use of irony through the dog?

Answer 25

The dog; an animal, ironically shows more humanity towards the prisoner than the guards themselves.

Question 26

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What does the dog symbolise?

Answer 26

The dog symbolises life and nature.

Question 27

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog When the dog "made a dash for the prisoner," what does this represent?

Answer 27

This represents the fact that the prisoner is no different from the prison guards, and how they are all equal regardless of circumstance. This shows that all human life is intrinsically valuable and purposeful.

Question 28

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What paradox does the dog reveal?

Answer 28

The dog reveals the paradox between humankind and nature: humans often try to pervert nature through power and control.

Question 29

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What was a key moment when the erratic dog had spontaneously appeared?

Answer 29

The dog went straight to the prisoner as opposed to the guards. "[the dog] made a dash for the prisoner"

Question 30

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What literary technique does Orwell use when he says that the dog "made a dash for the prisoner?"

Answer 30

Symbolism.

Question 31

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog How does Orwell explore the social psychology behind the prison guard's actions?

Answer 31

It exposes how insitutional authority and collective conformity allow individuals to distance themselves from moral responsibility.

Question 32

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog Within the context of audience reaction, how does the symbolism of the dog disrupt moral certainty?

Answer 32

It forces the audience to reflect on whether morality can be suspended when an individual is deemed as unworthy of life. This explores how bureaucratic systems can make killing seem routine or ordinary.

Question 33

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog How does the prisoner's reaction contrast with the dog's gleeful appearance? Comment on his use of word choice.

Answer 33

The prisoner "looked incuriously" which reflects his despair and distraught as he awaits his execution. This shows that he has given up on hope and is disinterested in the prospect of fleeting happiness when his life will soon come to an end.

Question 34

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What were the guards' reaction to the dog? Comment on word choice.

Answer 34

They stood "aghast"

Question 35

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog What was the significance of the guards' reaction to the erratic dog? ## Footnote Cognitive dissonance

Answer 35

This highlights their inner conflict between staying loyal to the regime and committing an act that goes against their conscience. This shows their discomfort in taking someone's life.

Question 36

# Paragraph 2 - Immorality of Humanity/Symbolism of Dog How does the audience react to the prison guards' complicity?

Answer 36

On one hand, this invites audience sympathy because Orwell presents them as victims of insitutional power: where they are expected to obey authority and carry out procedure in an almost mechanical way. On the other hand, this might foster resentment because they might view the prison guards' complicity as an attempt to avoid moral accountability by hiding behind authority.

Question 37

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life Orwell uses a metaphor to symbolise his epiphany about life. - Quote what he said.

Answer 37

"Cutting a life short in full tide"

Question 38

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life What does the metaphor, "cutting a life short in full tide" emphasise about human life?

Answer 38

It symbolises the zealous vigour of all life, and the significance of preserving life rather than diminishing it.

Question 39

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life How does the puddle incident reflect Orwell's unique perspective on capital punishment and its broader implications?

Answer 39

It explores how the condemned man is not just an offender, but a human just like the rest of us; living, breathing, and experiencing what the world has to offer.

Question 40

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life How does the puddle incident show that capital punishment is wrong?

Answer 40

The prisoner is perfectly healthy and conscious - and therefore, indredibly far from natural death. This means that killing that individual prematurely not only undermines their human value, but takes away their opportunity to experience life.

Question 41

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life Orwell uses an anaphora to develop the idea of the unjustified destruction of one's life. - Quote what he said.

Answer 41

"One mind less, one world less"

Question 42

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life What are the broader implications of capital punishment on the individual and society, taking into consideration Orwell's use of an anaphora?

Answer 42

Capital punishment does not just take away their life, but erases their biographical footprint and generations to come.

Question 43

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life What is the importance of the quote, "one mind less, one world less?"

Answer 43

It conveys the magnitude and irreversibility of capital punishment, and how it destroys an individuals' unique experiences and perception of the universe.

Question 44

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life How does the condemned man avoiding the puddle prompt Orwell to consider the ethicality of capital punishment?

Answer 44

Even as he draws closer to his death, it does not remove his consciousness— and very human, instinctual desire to avoid minor inconveniences.

Question 45

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging In what quote does Orwell appear to use irony?

Answer 45

"homely, jolly scene"

Question 46

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life How does Orwell's epiphany about life evoke a contemplative audience reaction?

Answer 46

Forces the reader to consider how humans are conditioned to conform to group behaviour, even when it conflicts with our conscience. This raises the question of whether society can distort our sense of morality and override our own reasoning.

Question 47

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging When Orwell describes the prison guards' reaction to the hanging as a "homely, jolly scene," how does this subvert audience expectations

Answer 47

This subverts audience expectations as one would assume they might feel guilt or regret after taking a human life, yet the lighthearted and jovial tone highlights the dehumanisation of the guards, who trivialise the incident to deny guilt.

Question 48

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging How does Orwell reveals the guards' twisted way of coping with the condemned man's execution through a psychological dimension?

Answer 48

A form of psychological escapism by easing discomfort through humour, as seen when they drink and laugh together.

Question 49

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging How does Orwell effectively use a juxtaposition when he writes, "homely, jolly scene?"

Answer 49

He juxtaposes the heinous act of executing the Hindi man with the apparent apathy the guards display afterwards.

Question 50

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging As the guards drinked and laughed, where was the body left?

Answer 50

The body was discarded on the ground and reduced to a mere object.

Question 51

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging How does the guards' humour after killing the condemned man and discarding his body explore the banality of evil?

Answer 51

It shows how bureaucratic systems can undermine the severity of death. This shows the uncanny nature of execution, and how it is often completed by regular people and not an egregious evil.

Question 52

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging What type of audience reaction does Orwell evoke through the aftermath of the hanging?

Answer 52

Orwell evokes an indignant reaction.

Question 53

# Paragraph 4 - Aftermath of the Hanging Why does the audience experience an indignant response after the hanging and the guards' apathetic actions?

Answer 53

Anger towards the guards' wilful blindness to an overtly corrupt system.

Question 54

# Paragraph 3 - Epiphany about Life How is cognitive dissonance explored through the guard's complicity?

Answer 54

Explores how people might commit heinous actions, even when it conflicts with personal conscience.