Burmese Days

Definition

Burmese Days is a novel written by George Orwell, published in 1934, that critiques British colonialism in Burma through the story of a disillusioned Englishman living in a fictional town. The narrative reveals the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals under colonial rule while exposing the corrupt and oppressive nature of imperialism, which resonates with the themes prevalent in interwar period literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Burmese Days is set in British-controlled Burma during the 1920s, highlighting the tensions between colonial officials and the local populace.
2. The protagonist, Flory, represents the internal conflict many Westerners faced as they grappled with the moral implications of colonial rule while trying to maintain their status.
3. Orwell's depiction of the European Club illustrates the social dynamics and racial prejudices that existed among British colonizers.
4. The novel serves as a commentary on the psychological effects of imperialism on both the oppressor and the oppressed, revealing the inherent contradictions of colonial power.
5. Burmese Days reflects Orwell's own experiences as a colonial officer in Burma, providing authenticity to his critique of imperialism.

Review Questions

• How does Orwell portray the complexities of colonial relationships in Burmese Days?
  • Orwell portrays the complexities of colonial relationships through the character of Flory, who is torn between his loyalty to his fellow British colonizers and his growing awareness of the injustices faced by the Burmese people. The interactions between Flory and other characters highlight the moral ambiguities inherent in colonialism, revealing how it creates divisions not only between colonizers and the colonized but also among the colonizers themselves. This portrayal underscores the psychological burdens that accompany imperial authority.
• Discuss how Burmese Days reflects themes of identity and belonging within the context of colonialism.
  • Burmese Days explores themes of identity and belonging by examining Flory's struggle to find his place within a rigid colonial society that values racial superiority. His growing disillusionment with imperialism forces him to confront his own values and societal norms, leading to feelings of alienation from both his British peers and the local population. This conflict highlights how colonialism disrupts personal identity and creates a sense of displacement for individuals caught between two worlds.
• Evaluate how Burmese Days can be seen as a precursor to modernist literature through its narrative style and thematic concerns.
  • Burmese Days can be viewed as a precursor to modernist literature due to its fragmented narrative style and focus on subjective experiences. Orwell employs an introspective approach that captures Flory's internal struggles, reflecting modernist themes of alienation and disillusionment. The novel's critique of colonialism also aligns with modernist concerns about morality and societal constructs, illustrating how imperialism dehumanizes both colonizers and the colonized. This connection emphasizes how Burmese Days foreshadows later modernist works that challenge traditional narratives and explore complex human experiences.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice where a country exerts control over another territory, often leading to exploitation and domination of local populations.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often resulting in the subjugation of other nations.

Modernism: A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new techniques and perspectives.