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Similes
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Freedom:
In Chapter 2, Mr. Macgregor finds himself in a tense encounter at the European Club, having earlier issued a decree commanding the club to accept a non-European member. Ellis in particular despises this command, spouting racist protests and using vulgar, anti-Black slurs to refer to Indian and Burmese people. In an example of situational irony, Mr. Macgregor objects to the use of such slurs:
He had no prejudice against Orientals; indeed, he was deeply fond of them. Provided they were given no freedom he thought them the most charming people alive.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Insecurity:
In Chapter 2, Ellis delivers a virulent and racist outburst, lashing out against any non-White person or sympathizer in the immediate vicinity. In the following excerpt, Ellis takes his frustrations out on the European Club's butler—a South Indian man whom the narrator describes as a “dark, stout Dravidian”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+'Don't talk like that, damn you--"I find it very difficult!" Have you swallowed a dictionary? "Please, master, can't keeping ice cool"—that's how you ought to talk. We shall have to sack this fellow if he gets to talk English too well. I can't stick servants who talk English. D'you hear, butler?'
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Laziness:
In the following example of situational irony from Chapter 2, Mrs. Lackersteen complains about the laziness of "servants" while simultaneously ordering a rickshaw to travel a quarter of a mile:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mrs Lackersteen, unequal to the quarter-mile walk between her house and the Club, had imported a rickshaw from Rangoon. Except for bullock-carts and Mr Macgregor's car it was the only wheeled vehicle in Kyauktada, for the whole district did not possess ten miles of road. [....]
'Really I think the laziness of these servants is getting too shocking,' she sighed. 'Don't you agree, Mr Macgregor?
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Capricious Cat:
In the following example of both simile and situational irony from Chapter 4, the narrator compares Ma Hla May—John Flory’s lover-for-hire—to a cat:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She lay and let him do as he wished with her, quite passive yet pleased and faintly smiling, like a cat which allows one to stroke it. Flory's embraces meant nothing to her (Ba Pe, Ko S'la's younger brother, was secretly her lover), yet she was bitterly hurt when he neglected them.
Related Themes:
