A Hanging

By: George Orwell

Narrated by: Peter Noble

“One mind less, one world less.”

A Hanging (1931) is a stark, reflective essay drawn from Orwell’s time as a colonial officer in Burma. Witnessing the execution of an unnamed, condemned man, Orwell is struck by the quiet humanity of the prisoner—especially when he instinctively steps aside to avoid a puddle. This small act causes Orwell to reflect on what it means to execute someone when they are healthy and conscious, exposing the brutal absurdity of state-sanctioned death and the dehumanising machinery of empire.

Born Eric Arthur Blair, George Orwell (1903-1950) was a British novelist, essayist, and critic famous for his insightful social and political commentary. His personal engagement with real world issues imbues his work with a sense of social conscience that continues to resonate with readers, and his two most famous novels, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Public Domain (P)2021 SNR Audio