Dr Veraswami

Outer characterization

The character of Dr Veraswami from George Orwell’s "Burmese Days" highlights the effects indoctrination may have on an oppressed population. Dr Veraswami is an Indian who lives in Burma and works as a doctor. He speaks with a lisp. Sometimes he oversees floggings or hangings at the jail, probably as part of his professional duties. Such duties lead him to “dose himself with whisky” (p. 273, l. 4), meaning that he probably drinks to escape the feelings of guilt and horro that are associated with them.

Dr Veraswami is not physically described in this excerpt.

Inner characterization

Dr Veraswami comes across as an idealist who believes in noble causes, even to the point of ignoring reality. He is enthusiastic and appears very emotionally involved in the discussion, as shown by his gestures: “The doctor waved his hand excitedly” (p. 273, l. 41), and exclamations: “ ‘What monstrous misrepresentations!’ cried the doctor.” (p. 274, l. 9)

He has “ ‘a passionate admiration for the English’ ” (p. 272, ll. 28-29) and refers to Mr Flory as “ ‘an English gentleman of high gifts and...