Burmese Days

Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers

duty to rule over the less intelligent “niggers” of Burma. Through the description of the characteristics of both the British and Burmese, Orwell helps us understand the value system through which the British have come to the conclusion that they must rule over the Burmese. An example of such a description is that of Maxwell, them acting Divisional Forest Officer. Maxwell is depicted as a “fresh-coloured blond youth of not more than twenty-five or six – very young for the post he held.” (Pg. 22) This description lends value to the light skinned and fair-haired British, though some, like Flory, have black hair. Maxwell is also very young for his post, giving the impression that he is intelligent. Mr. Lackersteen, the manger of a timber firm, though forty and slightly bloated, it described a “fine-looking” with an ingenuous face. (Pg. 20- 21) This description leads us to believe British are good looking and honest.
Orwell offers us ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades. Already a member? Login

Maxwell, and Westfield (the chief of police) for their relationships with natives. The majority of Englishmen in hold the belief that they are superior to the Burmese, however none do so as adamantly as Ellis.
The inferiority of the natives is related in many ways. One method Orwell uses is the description of the natives. When Ma Hla May, Flory’s mistress, and Elizabeth see another the differences between them are striking. Elizabeth is as “faintly colored as a apple blossom”, while Ma Hla May is “dark and garish.” This “meeting” occurs on Flory’s veranda with Flory present. It is then he realizes how strange Ma Hla May’s body ...

Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.

CITE THIS PAGE: