Monkey-bum

Orwell uses Flory’s birthmark as motif that continues throughout the novel and is almost always referenced to when Flory is in the text. We are introduced to his birthmark with strong imagery of its unusual shape and size that covers one side of his face. We learn how it stings him when he feels ashamed and how he turns away from people in order to hide that side of his face. His birthmark is mentioned anytime Flory feels inadequate, ashamed, or is seeking approval. As he continues to reject the “pukka sahib code” inwardly and follow it outwardly, Flory is usually in a general state of all three emotions. He feels ashamed for trying to fit in with the men at the Club but does not want to stand up to them and “start a row.” Flory even explicitly even blames his lack of courage on his birthmark when he explains how he was taunted as a child.

The imagery surrounding his birthmark makes it a symbol for whenever Flory feels self-conscious. Generally he feels self-conscious because he is trying to be accepted by the Europeans though he is not a true pukka sahib, or he is ashamed that he is acting like a pukka sahib. Flory’s overwhelming desire to fit in and not cause any complications is seen whenever he is at the club or with Elizabeth. He thinks she is “cultured” and shares his viewpoints so he keeps introducing her to native events and customs that she is always disgusted with. After anytime she is upset, Flory is described as turning his head from her to conceal his birthmark. He hides his face whenever he is ashamed and he can feel his birthmark on his cheek. His explanation of how he can feel it when he is ashamed was most memorable during his interactions with Ma Hla May. His shame shows the reader that Flory has a good moral compass though he does not act on it. The question is then if it matters: is thinking “good” and doing “bad” any better than just doing “bad”?