Burmese Days
George Orwell
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
The Club
What does the European Club in Kyauktada say about the British in Burma?
Keep the conversation going
- Why is the question of admitting one 'native' member so explosive?
- Which of the Club members did you find most revealing?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
What does the European Club in Kyauktada say about the British in Burma?
Keep the conversation going
- Why is the question of admitting one 'native' member so explosive?
- Which of the Club members did you find most revealing?
Why can't Flory say aloud what he thinks about the Empire?
Keep the conversation going
- What does his birthmark come to stand for?
- Is he a decent man, or only a more troubled one?
What does Flory's friendship with Dr Veraswami give each of them?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does the doctor defend the British so passionately?
- Why does Flory fail him?
What did you make of U Po Kyin and his scheming?
Keep the conversation going
- How does he use the British to get what he wants?
- What did you make of his plan to buy his way to heaven with pagodas?
What does Elizabeth want from Flory, and why can't he see it?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of her horror at 'beastly' things that Flory loves?
- What does Verrall offer her?
How did you respond to Flory's treatment of Ma Hla May, and to her scene in the church?
Keep the conversation going
- What does she have to lose?
- Who is used in this story, and by whom?
How does Flory behave during the attack on the Club?
Keep the conversation going
- Does his courage change anything?
- Why does it not save him?
How did you feel about Flory's end and the fates of the others?
Keep the conversation going
- Who prospers by the end, and what does that say?
- What is Orwell's verdict on Empire?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.