Burmese Days
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Burmese Days is a novel by British writer George Orwell. Published in 1934 and based loosely on Orwell's five years as a policeman in the Indian Imperial Police force in Burma (now Myanmar), it is a caustic, fast-paced tale about the waning days of British imperialism before World War II. Publishers were reluctant to publish the book with fears of libel suits. No retired British officers filed any libel suits, but the book was not available in India and Burma. The facts and characters in the novel were real people and only on the insistence of the publishers were some of the places and names changed. It has been favourably compared with similar works by other between-the-wars British novelists such as Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham.
The story focuses on a few Englishmen in the timber business in a small settlement in upper Burma who are manipulated by a corrupt local magistrate, U Po Kyin, whose chief ambition is to become a member of the European Club, a private establishment. In particular, is the character of 'John Flory' who comes to realize that he is leading the dissolute bachelor life in Burma, and should be married and not spend the rest of his life in loneliness. Flory's downfall, engineered by U Po Kyin, seals the fates of other minor characters.
Characters
John Flory: The main character and member of the European club. He has a birthmark on his face which he attempts to hide from everyone he meets. He is friends with Dr Veraswami, which brings him into conflict with members of the club, who already dislike his bolshevik views. He is targeted by U Po Kyin, but does not realize it.
He falls for Elizabeth, but loses her twice thanks to Ma Hla May and Elizabeth's aunt. He commits suicide after he loses Elizabeth for the second time.
Elizabeth Lackersteen: An unmarried woman from England who has spent much time in Paris, which she hated. Flory saves her when she is attacked by a small water buffalo. She loves hunting and killing animals. She begins to have feelings for Flory but soon begins to distance herself after rumors of Flory having relations with native women surface. Also, she dislikes those she labels "highbrows," and Flory, in her opinion, is such. After leaving Flory for the first time she courts Verall, who leaves abruptly without saying goodbye. After leaving Flory the second time (and his suicide), she marries a club member called McGregor.
Mr. and Mrs. Lackersteen: The uncle and aunt of Elizabeth. Mr. Lackersteen is a drunkard whose only object in life is to have 'a good time' which he manages when his wife is not 'watching like a cat over a mouse-hole'. Mrs. Lackersteen is an imaginative woman who plays the part of the memsahib and like most has not taken to the alien country or its culture.
Dr Veraswami: An Indian doctor and a friend of Flory's. Though he is an Indian, he has nothing but respect for the English colonists and often refers to his own kind as being lesser humans than the English. Veraswami and Flory often discuss various topics with Veraswami siding with the English and Flory taking the stance of defending the natives. Targeted by U Po Kyin for a place in the club. Fights to stop riots caused by U Po Kyin. Loses his place of influence when his representative Flory dies. Goes to work in another run-down hospital.
U Po Kyin: A vicious and cunning man who takes out vendattas against Flory and Verswami. He causes riots, but is beaten by Flory, who suppresses them. Kyin becomes member of club when Flory dies. Ultimately, he dies in sin, before retirement and the building of pagodas.
Ma Hla May: Flory's mistress. Constantly asks him for money when he throws her out in favour of Elizabeth. Thanks to U Po Kyin she breaks up Flory and Elizabeth. and goes to work in a rotten brothel elsewhere.
Ko S'la: Flory's servant. Though he serves Flory well, he does not approve of many of his activities. He strongly opposes Flory's relationship with Ma Hla May and further protests when Flory hurts himself in a sporting accident.
Verall: An obnoxious cad and soldier who despises all except if they are exceptional polo players. Ultimately leaves Elizabeth without a goodbye.
Ellis: A racist member of the club. He is happy starting scandals and dislikes Flory because he is friends with natives.
External links
- [Burmese Days] - Searchable, indexed etext.
- [Online version], [Another Online version]
- [The Literary Encyclopedia]
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