hanging by george orwell

2007-04-22T20:08:00.000+08:00

Q1. The writer used illustrations to describe the scene before the hanging took place, appealing to human's sympathy. He made use of small gestures displayed by the prisoner "stepping aside to avoid a puddle" to condemn capital punishment. He explained that it was wrong to deprive someone the chance of living especially since he was still able to reason. Also, by describing the normal functioning of a human being, the readers are able to feel for the prisoner, that he ought to be kept alive. Orwell also adopted the use of dog which was very reluctant when the prisoner was about to be hanged. By doing so, he proves a point that even dogs have feelings and we should not be so inhuman to cut short a healthy man's life.

Q2. The arguments for capital punishment include bringing justice to the world, to answer to the innocent victims. More importantly, it is to teach the criminals a lesson, for them to pay a price for their wrongdoings. In the meantime, capital punishment, due to its severity serves to deter potential criminals from committing crimes. Yet again, many argue that capital punishment is too brutal and should be abolished. They feel that it is immoral to cut short a life when it is "in full tide". The convict is still alive and kicking, and he/she still possesses the ability to reason. They feel that as long as one is willing to repent, he/she should be given a chance to and they might even contribute to society, perhaps through community service to redeem themselves.

Q3. Personally, I feel that capital punishment should not be abused and should only be undertaken as the last resort. It serves as warnings to potential criminals and at the same time bring justice to the world. Yet again, without capital punishment, light sentence would be unfair to the victims and criminals might end up committing crimes again since they can get away with the law easily. I feel that death penalty can only be justified when one has committed murder and has to trade his own life in return for his wrongdoing. In other cases, heavy penalties, such as long-term imprisonment and caning can be imposed on the convict.

introduction

2007-04-22T19:56:00.000+08:00

name: ang kah ying (aky)
class: 22/07
D.O.B : 30/10/1990
sec sch: CHIJ st nicholas girls sch (SNGS)
ex cca: dance (:
current cca: air pistol

aky @ gp

hanging by george orwell

introduction