Unit 1 Writing Task

You have read two essays that discuss what it is like to live in a place where you are not accepted. In "Back to My Own Country," Andrea Levy write of being raised by jamaican parents in England, where her Caribbean ancestry and her working class home set her apart. In "Shoot and Alephant," George Orwell writes about being a British officer in Burma, where he is hated and jeered by the Burmese, though he privately sympathizes with their plight, Now, use your knowledge of the topic to write an informative essay about perceptions of home.

Think about how Andrea Levy and George Orwell both define and wrestle with their relationships to Britain. Conduct research to write an  informative essay in response to this question:

How did British colonialism complicate the idea of home?

Conduct brief research to get more information. As you research, think of related questions that can help guide and focus your search. For example, you might ask, "What was the nature and structure of British rule in Burma?"

For a model of a well-crafted informative essay, see the Launch Text, "Home Away From Home"

Possible Sentence Starters

1. British colonialism complicated the idea of home by ___________.
   
   

2. In "Back to My Own Country," Andrea Levy and George Orwell both explore the challenges of living in a place where one is not accepted.

3. By reflecting on their personal experiences, Levy and Orwell provide valuable insights into the complexities of the concept of home.

4. British colonialism played a significant role in shaping perceptions of home for both Levy and Orwell.

Exemplary Response:

In their respective essays, "Back to My Own Country" and "Shooting an Elephant," Andrea Levy and George Orwell delve into the complexities of their relationships with Britain and the notion of home. Through their personal experiences and insights, they shed light on how British colonialism complicated the idea of home. British colonial rule imposed cultural, social, and economic hierarchies that shaped the lives of both the colonizers and the colonized, creating a dynamic that challenged notions of belonging and identity.

Levy, born to Jamaican parents in England, confronts the idea of home through the lens of her Caribbean ancestry and working-class upbringing. She vividly recounts her experiences of feeling marginalized and alienated by her dual heritage in a society that often dismissed and discriminated against people of color. Levy's essay not only exposes the difficulties she faced in finding a sense of home within a country that did not fully accept her, but it also highlights the resilience and courage of those who navigate multiple cultural identities.

Similarly, Orwell's essay explores the complexities of home as a British officer stationed in Burma. Despite being part of the ruling class, Orwell grapples with his role in perpetuating British colonialism and the inherent injustices it entailed. He describes the conflict within himself as he witnesses the Burmese people suffering under British rule, despite privately sympathizing with their struggles. Orwell's essay serves as a powerful critique of the oppressive nature of colonialism and its impact on the concept of home for both the colonizers and the colonized.

To fully understand the ways in which British colonialism complicated the idea of home, it is essential to delve into the nature and structure of British rule in its colonies. The oppressive nature of colonial governance, the establishment of racial hierarchies, and the economic exploitation of the colonized were all contributing factors. Further research into the specific historical contexts of British colonialism in Jamaica and Burma will provide a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the concept of home for Levy and Orwell, as well as the millions impacted by British imperialism.

Ultimately, the essays by Levy and Orwell offer profound insights into the multifaceted nature of home and the ways in which British colonialism complicated this concept. By delving into their personal experiences and complementing them with relevant research, a comprehensive understanding of the topic can be achieved. Through their writings, Levy and Orwell demonstrate the power of storytelling in shedding light on historical complexities and fostering empathy and understanding.

Non-exemplary Example:

In the essays "Back to My Own Country" and "Shoot and Alephant," Andrea Levy and George Orwell discuss their experiences living in places where they weren't accepted. Levy, raised by Jamaican parents in England, and Orwell, a British officer in Burma, both faced difficulties in their relationships with Britain. British colonialism complicated the idea of home by oppressing the Burmese people and creating conflict and hatred towards British officers like Orwell. Levy also experienced discrimination in England due to her Caribbean background. The imposition of social and economic hierarchies by British colonialism affected both the colonizers and the colonized. Researching the impact of British rule in places like Burma can provide further insight into the challenges faced by Levy, Orwell, and others impacted by British imperialism. Understanding these complexities is crucial in empathizing with individuals who struggle to find acceptance in their own country.