Why are these quotes a metaphor. Quotes are from "shooting an elephant."
They were watching me as they would watch a conjurer about to perform a trick.
Standing in front of the unarmed native crowd seemingly the leading actor of the piece
A metaphor compares two unlike things or people.
What are these metaphors comparing?
I honestly don't know
Is the speaker a magician (conjurer)?
Is the person in front of the crowd an actor?
No
How would the metaphor describe the relationship of the burmese people
Relationship of the Burmese people with the author?
Yes
Do the Burmese look up to the author? Do they think the author is very important?
To understand why these quotes from "Shooting an Elephant" are considered metaphors, we need to first understand what a metaphor is. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, in order to suggest a resemblance or draw a comparison between the two.
Now, let's analyze each quote in the context of the story:
1. "They were watching me as they would watch a conjurer about to perform a trick."
In this quote, the author, George Orwell, compares the way the people were watching him to how an audience would watch a conjurer about to perform a trick. This metaphor suggests that the native crowd's attention and anticipation were similar to that of an audience witnessing a captivating performance.
By using this metaphor, Orwell emphasizes the expectation and scrutiny placed upon him by the crowd, highlighting their anticipation for him to fulfill a particular role or perform a specific action.
2. "Standing in front of the unarmed native crowd, seemingly the leading actor of the piece."
In this quote, Orwell describes himself as the "leading actor of the piece" while standing in front of the native crowd. The term "leading actor" is a metaphorical phrase commonly associated with a theatrical performance, suggesting that Orwell feels like a central figure in a dramatic production.
This metaphor underscores Orwell's perception of being placed in a position of power and authority, symbolizing the burden of being in control and making decisions that impact the lives of others.
In conclusion, these quotes from "Shooting an Elephant" are considered metaphors because they apply non-literal language to create comparisons and convey deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretations. The metaphors contribute to the overall themes and messages of the story.