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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
As far as mood goes, one might describe Burmese Days as grim, tragic, or hopeless. The novel’s central character, John Flory, dies by suicide rather than fight against the empire he despises. Flory harbors anger, resentment, restlessness—but he never directs these emotions towards positive change and action, allowing his (rightful) frustrations with the British Empire to fester and rot. He cares but does nothing about it. This stagnant morality has a significant impact on the overall mood of Burmese Days, denying readers the catharsis of confrontation or resolution. All of Flory’s revolutionary sentiment amounts to nothing.
While grim, this lack of resolution accurately reflects reality. Many White Europeans in Flory’s situation likely behaved similarly, perturbed by their surroundings but content to remain silent, the fear of losing relationships and privileges a stronger motivator than conscience. Orwell undoubtedly came to know many people like Flory during his time in Burma.
In addition to moral stagnancy and a lack of catharsis, Burmese Days features many characters who experience loneliness and dehumanization, albeit in different ways. This consistent dehumanization of colonizer and colonized alike contributes to a desolate, nihilistic mood that never resolves. While both colonizer and colonized experience dehumanization in Burmese Days, the character of such dehumanization differs substantially. Through their inhumane treatment of colonized peoples, colonizers dehumanize themselves, eschewing all sense of sympathy, compassion, or conscience.
Related Themes:
