I have another question about "Shooting the Elephant"
The question is : What does "shooting an elephant" gain from being written years after the events it recounts?
Is one possibility that it gave Orwell time to reflect upon his experiences?
Are there any other possibilities?
Definitely -- to give him time to reflect on his experiences.
But be sure to read this biography of Orwell (pen name):
http://www.george-orwell.org/l_biography.html
His personal and political attitudes had developed by the time he wrote about this event in his earlier life. Be sure you're clear on the "lens" through which he saw things by the time he wrote this account.
Also, Orwell was coming to hate imperialism, seeing the destruction it evoked on the poor. When he wrote the essay, he was down and out, homeless often, and certainly bitter towards oppression. These events let him recall his earlier days in a stronger light.
Thank-you. That makes it clearer to me. Can you also help me find some example of the English (instead of American) use of language in the essay. Ms. Sue helped me yesterday but I need one more example and I'm not familiar with the British use of words.
How about the way Orwell spoke about "the Empire?"
is this an example?
" there was a metalled road and beyond that a miry waste of paddy fields...not yet ploughed but soggy from the first rains and dotted with coarse grass"
Yes, Americans do not use "metalled to describe roads.
Yes, one possibility is that writing "Shooting an Elephant" years after the events allowed Orwell time to reflect upon his experiences. This reflection may have helped him gain a deeper understanding of the events and their significance, enabling him to convey a more nuanced and insightful perspective in his writing.
However, there are several other possibilities as well. Here are a few:
1. Distance and objectivity: By writing years after the events, Orwell may have gained some emotional or psychological distance from the situations he encountered. This detachment could have allowed him to approach the topic with a more objective and critical lens, offering a more impartial analysis.
2. Historical context: Writing years later would have given Orwell the advantage of placing his experiences within a broader historical context. This allows him to explore the themes of imperialism, power dynamics, and the effects of colonialism with a deeper understanding of their long-term consequences.
3. Relevance and impact: The passage of time may have made the issues presented in "Shooting an Elephant" more relevant or resonant in the political or social climate of the time when he wrote it. By addressing these issues from a retrospective viewpoint, Orwell could have sparked greater understanding and discussion among his readers.
4. Personal growth: The events Orwell experienced as a young police officer in British-controlled Burma likely had a profound impact on his personal development. By writing years later, Orwell may have had the opportunity to reflect on how these experiences shaped his own growth, beliefs, and values. This self-reflection could have added a layer of insight and maturity to his storytelling.
It's important to note that while reflecting on his experiences is a significant possibility, the specific reasons behind the time gap between the events and the writing may vary and could involve a combination of factors.