Why I Write

In this essay, Orwell recalled in the first person an execution he witnessed while stationed in Burma. Outside of a prison during the rainy season, a Hindu prisoner was taken from their cell and marched to the site of execution by hanging. Orwell was part of the group that accompanied the guards in escorting the prisoner. With them was the superintendent, other magistrates, and the Dravidian head jailer Francis.

As the group crossed the yard, a stray dog ran up to them and jumped on the prisoner, attempting to lick the prisoner’s face. To stop the dog, Orwell’s handkerchief was used as a makeshift leash. They led the whimpering dog with them to the gallows. Orwell was struck with the vitality of the prisoner and pondered “what it means to destroy a healthy, conscious man” (97). When the prisoner was led onto the platform and fitted with a noose, he began chanting “Ram!”, an appeal to the god of Hindu faith. His chant paused the procedure, the executioner allowing the prisoner a chance to reach toward god. The chant continued as everyone watching grew visibly sicker and desirous of an end. Finally, the superintendent ordered his death.

At the moment of the prisoner’s death, Orwell released the dog, which immediately ran to the other side of the gallows to meet the prisoner.