ERP:”A Hanging” by George Orwell

Question chosen: a) Recall a time you witnessed someone being punished and the circumstances of the offence. How did the incident affect you and your understanding of the purpose of punishment?


“Punishment”, this is a horrifying word. People would not have a cheerful smile upon seeing it. However, I had understood the true meaning of this word after that incident which still reverberates in my mind today.

That was during the time I was in Primary 6. The hall was in a dead silence that day. The atmosphere of tension was killing everyone, including me. I even did not dare to breathe comfortably as I know just a single sound would violate the non-joking event: a caning.
One student was brought up to the stage by the principal. He was tall and strong, wearing neat and clean uniform. If his facial expression was not showing struggle and regret , I could not believe he was the one that going to be caned.

“Dear students , as you all know, today is a very bad day. John was caught red-handed for shoplifting in a bookshop. This breaks our school’s law of course and is a very serious offence which cannot be forgiven easily. By our school’s law , John will be caned. John now will apologies to school.” The strict voice of principal woke everyone up from the tense and unsure waiting. Many were shaking their heads with a pitiful sigh. I also felt that that was the end to John. He could have bright future and become a successful man. However, he was caned and published in front of public then and that would be a bad mark in his body for his rest of life. Caning in front of the public would trash his dignity and reputation. He would be affected by the bad mark for everything he did and that meant he might say Nunc Dimmittis to success.
“I am sorry! I am so sorry! I was eaten up by greed. I should never steal the book. Sorry! Please give me one more chance…” tears of fear and regret were flowing down from his languish face. His voice was so desperate that was like the SOS cry of a man who was trapped in a isolated island. I did not know why but my body was just trembling and then I realize tear was also flowing down from my eyes. I knew that was tear of sympathy. He wanted to repent past mistakes from his deep heart. He should be given mercy and forgive. I was almost to stand up to beg the principal to give him another chance and not destroying his future.

However, hopelessly , John bent down to the table and the bamboo cane was taken out. The caning was about to begin. I was trembling badly that I really did not want to see the cruel scene. The principal slashed the cane down with great strength that I could even hear the roar of slashing. John’s cry of pain and suffering echoes in the hall and in my heart too. I turned my eyes away and prayed John would be OK. Till the end, even John's cry was fainted. Everyone was just like finishing watching a slaughter, remained frightened and aghast.

Poor John, I guessed his spirit had been dead. However, to my great shock, the principal was standing on the stage tearfully. “John, you are still my good boy. Don’t think I like to do this. I punish you and cane you because I love you and I am responsible of you. This is a painful reminder that guides you to the right way. I am your friend, not enemy.” These few touching sentences resound again and again in my life. They guided me to do the right decision and know how to appreciate the people who care about me.

Yes. The principal taught me the true meaning of punishment. I could still remember how John turning to a new leaf and doing well in the PSLE after hearing the principal. A punishment is not a bad mark of one or an obstruction to success but a reminder to guide you to the right way.Although it is painful, it is impactful. The one who punish you is the one who care about you and take responsibility of you. He is your friend but not enemy as he know what is good for you. I tell these to myself until today.