Good Reading Journal Entry #9 Essay Example

George Orwell’s essay, “The Hanging” is a riveting depiction of one black man’s final moments before being led to the gallows to meet his death. A black man is manhandled by prison guards and hoisted up on a ladder, has a noose placed around his neck, and a flour sack thrown over his head. He begins to chant repeatedly, “Ram”, which throws the guards and everyone in attendance off guard temporarily until the superintendent finally gives the command to have the black man put to death in a single instant. Later in the passage, the prisoners all gather to eat and are laughing. The man’s death brings to mind a similar hanging scenario that leaves the prisoners and everyone else thoroughly amused.
Orwell creates an emotional essay that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. The reader is lured into the piece by receiving a full account of a black prisoner’s last moments, to graphic detailing of his hanging, to ending on a high note of comedic laughter. From that premise, the main point Orwell is trying to convey is that life is full of highs and lows that ultimately meet its end. Therefore, in the interim it is important to eat, drink, and be merry. In life, that is all there really is.
One of the common themes throughout Orwell’s essay is there is a mention of food. He speaks about the “pot of drinking water” (Orwell) that is provided for the prisoners. Later in the passage the superintendent rallies the prison guards, going so far to say, “Well, quick march, then. The prisoners can’t get their breakfast till this job’s over.” (Orwell) After the hanging, the prisoners are gathered together for breakfast and are eating and making merry as if nothing has occurred. This makes a strong statement to the reader as to how quickly one forgets the dead once they are gone; that life goes on and all that is left are fond memories that are resigned to mealtime fodder.