Burmese Days: An Example of Imperialism Nineteenth century industrialization introduced new riches and energy to Western Europe, driving the growth of alternatives and the constructing of empires in undeveloped territories. Though the developed nations introduced many trendy applied sciences to under-developed nations, additionally they introduced fierce racism and European conceitedness. Burmese Days by George Orwell was written in 1834 as a satirical view of English imperial life in Burma. Orwell offers a sensible statement of the conceitedness the English demonstrated in direction of the natives and the way they justified their actions.
Europeans introduced many new applied sciences to the nations that they imperialized. They constructed railroads and different varieties of infrastructure, they usually introduced new know-how in weaponry and manufacturing. Nonetheless, plainly their excessive conceitedness had essentially the most affect on the native individuals. Cecil Rhoads epitomizes the angle of all Europeans when he says “I contend that we’re the best race on this planet and that the extra of the world we inhabit the higher it’s” (Hunt et al 802). Though Orwell’s characters in Burmese Days are English, the angle was not unique to the English.
Hunt et al discusses how King Leopold of Belgium claimed the Congo area of central Africa “inflicting on native Africans unparalleled acts of cruelty” (801). The truth that the Europeans thought themselves superior to all different races appears to provide them permission to deal with the native individuals in any method they select. Ellis is an instance of an excessive racist in Orwell’s work. Ellis is a member of the European Membership, a supervisor on the timber firm, and is essentially the most outspoken and clearly racist character within the novel.
He spews forth a diatribe of foul language and title calling directed in direction of the Burmese individuals at each alternative. Nobody can motive with him or change his angle, as he’s fully blind to any endearing qualities of the native individuals. He’s very resentful of Flory, the protagonist, who has an affection for the Burmese and who considers Burma his dwelling. Though Flory has a passion in direction of the Burmese individuals, he nonetheless considers himself superior to them which is particularly demonstrated by means of his interactions his Mistress, Ma Hla Could.
On the day he meets Elizabeth, when Ma Hla Could reveals up he tells her “Go away this instantaneous. When you make any bother I’ll afterwards take a bamboo and beat you until not one of your ribs is entire” (Orwell 87). It’s uncertain that he would carry by means of with the beating, however the menace demonstrates his feeling of superiority. The attitudes of the English are mistaken, however maybe comprehensible. They assume that as a result of the Burmese should not educated in the identical method because the English, they aren’t as clever. Because the nation is just not industrialized they haven’t any ambition.
Since they’re delicate mannered and don’t combat the English (who’ve weapons), they’ve surrendered to their pure place in society. Since their pores and skin is brown as an alternative of white, they aren’t lovely. One should Question Assignment how historical past would change if the Europeans of the 19th century and all individuals as much as immediately would select to study and perceive the cultures of others somewhat than move judgments and make assumptions. Simply as struggles between the higher and decrease class had been born from an absence of understanding for the opposite man’s situation within the early days of industrialization, the identical is true for the instances of imperialism.
The English in Burmese Days have taken management of the world without any consideration to the plight of the native individuals. They’re stronger and in their very own world they’re smarter. The sturdy dominate the weak, and the weak haven’t any alternative however to submit. One will be hopeful that sturdy societies will study the rewards of constructing others up by means of training and sharing somewhat than tearing others down by means of dominance and discrimination. Ultimately, Burmese Days is a tragic story. The protagonist, John Flory commits suicide over the loss of the lady he loves.
Nonetheless, the saddest half of the story is that the English by no means actually uncover the error of their superior angle. Though these are fictional characters, it’s clear that they’ll undergo life with their self-righteous attitudes, and can by no means know what the Burmese can educate them. They’ve satisfied themselves so completely that their actions are justified; there isn’t a hope for change for them, however there’s nonetheless hope for us. Work Cited Hunt, Lynn et al. The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures. Boston. Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2007. Orwell, George. Burmese Days. New York. Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. 1950.
