Burmese Days Study Guide & Notes

Burmese Days Plot Summary

Preview of Burmese Days Summary:

In Burma, during 1925, several English officials resist a directive to open their closed society somewhat by admitting a non-white member to their club. Most of the English display racist attitudes while Flory, the protagonist, lacks the moral courage to promote his Indian friend's social interests. Membership in the club brings enormous prestige, and a local corrupt Burmese official plots a far-ranging intrigue to ensure his own admission by destroying the reputation of his primary competitor. Meanwhile, the arrival of a beautiful young English woman sets many heads turning and complicates the lives of nearly everyone.

James Flory, the protagonist, has a large birthmark that covers much of one side of his face. This mark causes him to be self-conscious throughout his life, and by the time he is twenty he is introverted, reserved, and sullen. He travels to Burma to work as a manager...
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