Topic > Literary Analysis of Burmese Days by George Orwell

The novel Burmese Days is a piece of historical fiction written by George Orwell that takes place in a small town in the British province of Burma. Set in the 1920s, the plot takes place towards the end of British imperialism, where the role of each culture is well defined. Based on Orwell's personal experiences in Burma, we can assume that this is an almost accurate depiction of living conditions in Burma under British rule. While the plot is intriguing, it is Orwell's eye for detail and thought-provoking dialogue that cements itself as real-life examples. It exposes the relationship between colonizer and colonized and the disastrous impact of imperialism on both sides. It manages to portray a beautiful illusion of the terrible practices that existed under British imperialism, such as sexist gender roles, racial prejudice, and corrupt politics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The article focuses on how British imperialism in Burma created an atmosphere of racial boundaries and ethnic divisions that deprived the natives of their identity. It instilled a sense of superiority in Europeans who considered themselves “absolute masters” over Asians, who were considered inferior. This treatment is exacerbated for women who were constantly treated as dirty and ignorant. When U Po Kyin talks about his reincarnation in his next life, he desperately hopes to return as a man. The reality of inequality existing in Burmese society is not the product of British rule, but rather a natural representation of the early 1900s. Women in white society also had to adhere to unfair playing fields. Orwell is not afraid to express his concerns and thoughts about white supremacy that have existed forever. However, this level of thinking is not unanimously shared as some even go so far as to consider all non-white humans as inferior life forms. But without racism, imperialism would not have played such an important role in history. Orwell describes the extent of racism to keep the natives of Burma under control and to repress any attempt at national self-determination. He describes racism as prejudice and power, since without political and economic power, prejudice would not be a dominant, cultural institution. Orwell's portrayal of the superiority of the white British colonizers over the Burmese and non-white native Indians does not shy away from specific details. . His concern about the possible acceptance of natives into the exclusive European club shed light on the realities of life under British rule in Burma. Even the mere mention of accepting a Native into their all-white club elicits a strong reaction from Ellis, who is by far the least progressive, claiming that he would rather die than be in the same club with a smelly, black pig. His sentiment is shared by most Englishmen who do not see admirable qualities in native Burmese and see them as lazy and ignorant. In an exchange between a master and a butler in the club, the detailed account of the conversation is so disturbing that it could only be based on real life. "" Butler! ... “How much ice do we have left?” “About £20, master. It will only last today, I think. I find it very difficult to keep ice fresh now. "Don't talk like that, dammit: 'I find this very difficult!' Did you swallow a dictionary? “Please, master, I can't keep the ice fresh”: that's how you should speak. We will have to fire this man if he can talk too well.