Perhaps Orwell has been overshadowed by the sensation of his own most “successful” and canonical novels, 1984 and Animal Farm. However, after reading Orwell’s Burmese Days –inspired by his own days serving as a policeman in Burma, India, readers will become reacquainted with an Orwell that has been virtually undiscovered in schools. Burmese Days is proof that Orwell has more than earned his place as one of the most accomplished authors of fiction.
Burmese Days: Plot Synopsis
The story explores the relationship between Burma’s native people, and the European imperialists. The novel takes place in the fictional district of Kyauktada and explores the relationship between three central characters and their position in imperial Burmese society. A corrupt Burmese Magistrate, an Indian doctor, and a white European who is out-of-step with his contemporaries, come together in a story of comraderie, deception, and cultural disparity.
Burmese Days will immerse its readers headfirst into the rich culture of Burma, India. Orwell lays down a sturdy foundation; as the engaging story Orwell has conceived is laced with apt and beautiful descriptions of India’s geography, landscape, and scenery. The novel also provides readers with a rendering of a culture that is informed, yet still an outsider’s opinion (viewed through the character John Flory). Orwell’s opinion represents that of the European expatriates who are unfamiliar with the culture and customs of India.
The story itself is a lesson of immense historical and social importance. Although a work of fiction, Burmese Days provides an accurate social commentary on the impact of British imperialism before World War Two in India during the beginning of the 20th century.
Burmese Days: Novel Structure
Just shy of 300 pages, Orwell’s Burmese Days succeeds in immediately engrossing its readers in a rich story with multiple twisting plotlines. Orwell is able incorporate romance, culture, and social commentary into one story that will all but bring its readers to India in the 1940’s.
Burmese Days is an immensely “dark” novel. Although it frequently nears optimism, Orwell seems to be stringing readers along, only to reach a conclusion that is ultimately destructive for a majority of the character in the story.
For fans of Orwell’s impeccable style, featured in both 1984 and Animal Farm, Burmese Days is another example of an expertly executed novel: both in technique and narrative. Orwell effortlessly creates characters that are three-dimensional, setting that is beautiful, and plot conventions that are poignant.
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