The Essay

Orwell's essay combines a range of themes in a single narrative, including much metaphor. He embeds his thesis in a true story about a dramatic experience he had in Burma (now Myanmar).

What is his main point, and how does he express this point through metaphor?

He uses several metaphors throughout the essay to express secondary points. Identify as many as you can and discuss how these secondary metaphors support the main point you identified.

You might begin by saying something like "Orwell's essay shows that _____. He makes this point by comparing _____ to _____. This use of metaphor allows Orwell to examine _____."

Discuss your answers in the forum at the end of this module.