Summary
Writer: – George Orwell (1903-1950)
“Shooting an Elephant” is an essay by George Orwell. The essay describes the experience of the narrator, who is believed to represent Orwell himself, serving as a sub-divisional police officer in British-ruled Burma. At that time, there was British Empire ruling over Burma, that made the life of Burmese people difficult, oppressed adn deprived of their basic and fundamental rights. The Burmese people in the essay are shown to be powerless against the British colonial government who uses power and force to control over them.
Orwell shows that imperialism is a destructive force that corrupts both the colonizers and the colonized. By narrating the tiny incident of shooting an elephant, Orwell illustrates the larger issues of colonialism and imperialism. Orwell shows how imperialism creates a power dynamic in which the colonized are oppressed and mistreated while the colonizers are forced to do the oppressing.
The essay explores themes of imperialism, power, and the moral dilemma of doing what one believes to be wrong in order to fit in with societal expectations. In the essay, Orwell describes how he was forced to shoot an elephant that had gone “must,” or mad, in order to save face in front of a crowd of Burmese people. The experience left him feeling conflicted about the role of the British Empire in Burma and the ways in which power and authority can corrupt individuals.
Understanding
1. What thesis about “the real nature of imperialism” does Orwell prove by narrating this “tiny incident” ?
Ans: Orwell’s thesis about “the real nature of imperialism” in “Shooting an Elephant” is that imperialism is a destructive force that corrupts both the colonizers and the colonized. By narrating the “tiny incident” of shooting an elephant, Orwell illustrates the larger issues at play in colonialism and imperialism.
2. What are the reasons Orwell considers when he tries to decide what to do ? What, does he conclude, was his main purpose in shooting the elephant ?
Ans: In “Shooting an Elephant,” Orwell considers several factors when he tries to decide what to do about the rogue elephant. These factors include:
The pressure from the crowd: Orwell notes that there is a large crowd of Burmese people watching him, and he feels obligated to live up to their expectations. He writes, “I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind.”
The elephant’s behavior: Orwell observes the elephant and notes that it has calmed down and is no longer a threat. He writes, “I had halted on the road. As soon as I saw the elephant I knew with perfect certainty that I ought not to shoot him… It was perfectly clear to me what I ought to do. I ought to walk up to within, say, twenty-five yards of the elephant and test his behavior.”
His role as a colonial police officer: Orwell feels that it is his duty to maintain order and protect the interests of the British colonial government. He writes, “It seemed to me that it would be murder to shoot him… But at that moment I glanced round at the crowd that had followed me. It was an immense crowd, two thousand at the least and growing every minute.”
In the end, Orwell concludes that his main purpose in shooting the elephant was to avoid looking foolish in front of the crowd. He writes, “I often wondered whether any of the others grasped that I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool.” Orwell recognizes that his decision to shoot the elephant was not based on any moral or ethical considerations, but rather on his desire to maintain his image as a powerful and respected colonial official. This realization leads him to question the morality of imperialism and the role he plays in enforcing it.
3. What kind of people does Orwell imagine will read his essay ?
Ans: In “Shooting an Elephant,” Orwell imagines that a variety of people will read his essay. He writes with the expectation that his readers will include:
Fellow imperialists: Orwell expects that some of his readers will be fellow British colonial officials who have experienced similar situations. He writes, “And my whole life, every white man’s life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at.”
Anti-imperialists: Orwell also imagines that his essay will be read by people who are critical of imperialism and colonialism. He writes, “I was stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible.”
The general public: Finally, Orwell expects that his essay will be read by a general audience who are interested in issues of power, morality, and the human experience. He writes, “I often wondered whether any of the others grasped that I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool…I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys.”
4. Why did he really shoot the elephant ?
Ans: In “Shooting an Elephant,” Orwell explains that he shot the elephant not because he wanted to, but because he felt pressured to do so. He was serving as a colonial police officer in Burma at the time and had been called to deal with a rogue elephant that had been causing damage in a local village.
Rhetoric/Language/Writing
1. Although Orwell begins narrating the incident, we do not see the elephant. what details do we see ? How do they intensify the dramatic conflict ?
Ans: Although Orwell begins narrating the incident in “Shooting an Elephant,” we do not see the elephant until the end of the paragraph. Instead, Orwell provides vivid descriptions of the setting and the people around him, which intensify the dramatic conflict and set the stage for the eventual shooting of the elephant.
Throughout the beginning of the essay, Orwell describes the scene in great detail, using sensory imagery to help the reader imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the market town. He notes the hot, humid weather, the noise of the market, and the smell of spices and fried food.
Orwell also describes the tension between the Burmese people and the British colonial officials. He notes that the Burmese people resent the presence of the British and often mock and jeer at them. This tension sets the stage for the conflict between Orwell and the crowd later in the essay.
Additionally, Orwell describes his own conflicted feelings about his role as a colonial police officer. He notes that he hates the British colonial system but also recognizes that he is a part of it. This internal conflict sets up the later conflict between Orwell’s duty to maintain order and his moral objections to imperialism.
All of these details serve to intensify the dramatic conflict and build tension throughout the essay, leading up to the eventual appearance of the elephant at the end of the paragraph. When the elephant finally appears, the reader is primed for the conflict that will follow, and the tension is heightened as Orwell describes the size and power of the animal.
2. What techniques does Orwell use to describe the shooting as a drama ? Who is the audience ? How does their attitude influence the leading actors ?
Ans: Orwell uses several techniques to describe the shooting of the elephant as a drama in “Shooting an Elephant.” One of the main techniques he uses is to create a sense of tension and conflict leading up to the shooting, which builds throughout the essay. He does this by describing the setting and the people around him, and by highlighting his own internal conflict about the situation.
Orwell also addresses his audience directly throughout the essay, which helps to draw them into the drama of the story. He imagines a variety of readers, including fellow imperialists, anti-imperialists, and the general public, and he writes with the expectation that they will be interested in issues of power, morality, and the human experience. By engaging his readers directly, Orwell is able to make the story feel more immediate and relevant to their lives.
The attitude of the audience influences the leading actors in several ways. For example, Orwell notes that the Burmese people resent the presence of the British colonial officials and often mock and jeer at them. This creates a sense of tension and conflict that influences Orwell’s decision to shoot the elephant. He feels that he must maintain his image as a powerful colonial official in order to avoid looking foolish in front of the crowd.
4. How does Orwell pace the shooting the elephant ? How does the elephant`s slow death affect Orwell`s point of view toward what he has done ?
Ans: Orwell paces the shooting of the elephant in “Shooting an Elephant” by using a slow and deliberate approach. He describes the tense build-up to the shooting, with the elephant initially being calm but then growing more agitated and dangerous as the crowd gathers around. Orwell takes his time in describing the scene and building up the tension, until finally he is left with no choice but to shoot the elephant.
Once the elephant is shot, Orwell continues to pace the scene slowly and deliberately. He describes the animal’s slow and painful death, which takes several minutes and involves a great deal of suffering on the part of the elephant. This slow death has a profound effect on Orwell’s point of view toward what he has done. He feels a deep sense of guilt and remorse for having killed the animal, and he begins to question the morality of his actions.
Overall, the slow pacing of the shooting and the elephant’s death serve to highlight the emotional and moral complexity of the situation, and they help to underscore the main themes of the essay, including the dehumanizing effects of imperialism and the struggle between personal morality and societal pressure.
Discussion
1. Why is it important to “avoid looking fool”. What does it mean to be laughed at ? What is the difference between acting like a joker and acting like a fool ?
Ans: In the context of Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant,” it is important for him to avoid looking like a fool because of his position as a colonial official in Burma. As a representative of the British Empire, he is expected to project an image of authority and power, and to be taken seriously by the Burmese people. If he were to be laughed at or mocked, it would undermine his position and his ability to maintain order and control in the colony.
To be laughed at can be a humiliating experience, as it implies that others see you as ridiculous or absurd. It can also be a form of social control, used to enforce conformity and maintain power structures. In the case of the Burmese people, their laughter and mockery of the colonial officials is a form of resistance against the oppressive regime, and a way to assert their own agency and dignity.
The difference between acting like a joker and acting like a fool is subtle, but significant. Acting like a joker implies a certain level of control and intentionality, as the person is deliberately using humor or wit to make a point or entertain others. Acting like a fool, on the other hand, suggests a lack of control or self-awareness, as the person is seen as behaving foolishly or making a mistake without intending to. In the context of Orwell’s essay, he is concerned with being seen as a fool in the eyes of the Burmese people, which would imply a lack of control or authority on his part.
2. Much of Orwell`s essay assumes a knowledge of the words of “imperialism” and “despotism”. What do these words mean ? How do they apply to the essay ? What current events you can identify in which these words might also apply ?
Ans: Imperialism refers to a system in which a powerful nation or state extends its control and influence over weaker or subordinate territories or peoples. This often involves political, economic, and cultural domination, and can lead to exploitation, oppression, and subjugation of the subordinate peoples. In the context of Orwell’s essay, imperialism refers to the British Empire’s colonization and domination of Burma, and the ways in which this system of power relations impacted the lives and experiences of the Burmese people.
Despotism, on the other hand, refers to a system of government in which a single ruler or small group holds absolute power and authority over a state or society, often exercising this power in arbitrary and oppressive ways. In the context of Orwell’s essay, despotism refers to the oppressive rule of the British colonial officials over the Burmese people, and the ways in which this system of domination and control was maintained through violence, coercion, and manipulation.
There are many current events and situations around the world in which these words might also apply. For example, the ongoing conflict in Syria involves a complex web of imperialist and despotic power relations, with multiple external powers vying for control over the country and its resources, while the Syrian people suffer under the brutal rule of the Assad regime. Similarly, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed in terms of imperialism and colonialism, with Israel occupying and dominating Palestinian territories in ways that many see as oppressive and unjust. In both of these cases, as in Orwell’s essay, the struggle for power and control has led to immense suffering and human rights abuses, and raises important questions about the ethics of imperialism and despotism.
3. Have you ever placed in a situation in which you were forced to do something that you did not entirely agree with ? Discuss such an incident and detail your feelings before, during, and after in an essay ?
The Time I was Forced to Stay in My Home Country for Higher Studies
Making a decision to pursue higher studies abroad can be a life-changing experience. The exposure to different cultures and ideas can help shape our worldview and career goals. However, sometimes our plans do not go as we want, and we are forced to make a compromise. In my case, I had planned to go abroad for higher studies, but circumstances forced me to stay in my home country.
I had always dreamed of pursuing higher studies in a foreign country. I was fascinated by the idea of learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and exploring new places. I had spent months researching different universities and programs that aligned with my interests and career goals. However, when the time came to apply for universities, my family faced financial difficulties.
My parents told me that they could not afford to send me abroad for higher studies. I was devastated. I had spent so much time planning and dreaming about studying abroad, and now it seemed like my dreams were shattered. I felt frustrated and angry that I had to compromise my goals because of financial constraints.
However, after some reflection, I realized that there were still opportunities for me in my home country. I began researching local universities and programs and found that there were excellent options available. I applied to a few universities and was accepted into one of them.
While I was disappointed that I could not go abroad, I found solace in the fact that I could still pursue my education in my home country. I made the most of my university experience by immersing myself in student clubs, taking part in extracurricular activities, and networking with peers and professors. I learned about my country’s history, culture, and society, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for my homeland.
While it can be difficult to let go of our dreams and compromise our plans, sometimes it is necessary. In my case, I had to let go of my dream of studying abroad and accept the reality of my financial situation. However, I realized that there were still opportunities for me to pursue my education and career goals in my home country. The experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, and it helped me develop a newfound appreciation for my home country.
