Classwork and Homework 5/15/06

Classwork:

1. Download and read George Orwell's short essay, "A Hanging."
2. Answer the following questions:

• Why does Orwell describe the cells as animal cages? What does this indicate about the prisoners inside? The prison officials?
• What accounts for the careful grip with which the guards hold the prisoner? What does the prisoner's behavior indicate?
• Why does the dog's presence dismay the men? How is its behavior juxtaposed to that of the prisoners'? What social commentary does this add to the piece?
• On his way to the gallows, the prisoner sidesteps a puddle. Why does this action strike Orwell so powerfully?
• The prisoner cries out to Ram before he is hanged. What does this action indicate about the man's convictions? How do the witnesses respond? How does the dog's behavior differ from the men's?
• After the prisoner is dead, the dog retreats from the men. Why? Orwell says the dog is "conscious of having misbehaved itself." What does this suggest about the men's behavior?
• The superintendent is nonchalant in his inspection and dismissal of the body. What does this indicate?
• Why does relief and jollity follow the hanging? What does this suggest about the propensity to become accustomed to violence? Why do the men laugh at Francis's account of the reluctant prisoner? Is this a normal reaction? Explain.
• Why does the superintendent suggest they all have a drink? Why do people turn to alcohol in times of stress? Is this an appropriate reaction? Explain.
• All the men drink together. What should this suggest? How is it contrary to the events of the story?
• Why are we never told of the prisoner's offense? What might be learned from this story about following one's convictions?

Homework:
Voltaire wrote, "It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one." Consider this statement. Have you ever been punished unjustly? Have you ever blamed someone unjustly? Write an essay that explains whether you agree or disagree with Voltaire's assertion.