After reading shooting an Elephant by George Orwell
Answer the following questions please.
Please cite textual evidence to support your answers.
1. Why does Orwell shoot the elephant?
2. Orwell uses the anecdote of his shooting an elephant to illustrate his feelings about imperialism. What are those feelings, and how does the anecdote illustrate them?
1. Orwell shoots the elephant because he feels compelled to do so in order to avoid looking like a fool and to fulfill the expectations of the local crowd. He becomes aware that the Burmese people, who are under the oppressive rule of the British Empire, expect him as a representative of the Empire to act in a certain way. The crowd expects him to shoot the rampaging elephant, despite the fact that the animal is not posing an immediate threat. Orwell describes his decision as a "solely" public one: "I did not want to shoot the elephant—I watched him beating his bunch of grass against his knees, with that preoccupied grandmotherly air that elephants have—but I knew that I had got to do it" (Orwell).
2. Orwell's feelings about imperialism are complex, but the anecdote conveys his deep discomfort and disillusionment with the oppressive nature of imperialism. It illustrates the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized, where the colonizers are constantly pressured to act in a way that maintains their control and superiority. Orwell feels trapped by the despotism of the Empire and the expectations placed upon him by the locals. He writes, "And suddenly I realized that I should have to shoot the elephant after all" (Orwell). This realization highlights Orwell's recognition of the futility and absurdity of imperialism. Despite his personal feelings against killing the elephant, he succumbs to the pressure and acts against his own conscience to maintain the illusion of power and authority that the Empire represents.
Additionally, the sight of the elephant's suffering and the prolonged anticipation before Orwell finally shoots it accentuates his criticism of imperialism. Orwell describes the elephant's agony in detail, mentioning the blood-soaked ground and its prolonged suffering: "The elephant was standing eight yards from the road, his left side towards us. He took not the slightest notice of the crowd's approach. He was tearing up bunches of grass, beating them against his knees to clean them and stuffing them into his mouth" (Orwell). This emphasizes the cruelty and brutality inherent in imperialism and the violence inflicted upon both the colonized and the colonizers.
Overall, Orwell's anecdote serves as a powerful critique of imperialism, portraying the moral conflict and the dehumanizing effects it has on both the rulers and the ruled.
1. Orwell shoots the elephant because he feels compelled to do so in order to maintain his image and uphold the expectations of the native crowd. He explains, "I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys." Orwell realizes that the expectations placed upon him as a colonial police officer necessitate him to act in a certain way, even though he personally disapproves of the violence.
2. Orwell's feelings about imperialism can be characterized as conflicted and morally ambiguous. Throughout the essay, he expresses his disdain for the oppressive nature of imperialism, describing it as "an evil thing." However, he also admits that he is "all for the Burmese," thereby acknowledging the inherent power dynamics and injustice of colonial rule.
The anecdote of shooting the elephant illustrates Orwell's feelings about imperialism by highlighting the paradoxical nature of power. Through his vivid description of the immense crowd following him, Orwell illustrates the pressure he feels to conform to his role as a representative of colonial authority. He states, "The crowd would laugh at me," showcasing his concern about losing respect and becoming humiliated if he doesn't display authority.
Additionally, the incident of shooting the elephant demonstrates the dehumanizing effects of imperialism. Orwell describes the elephant as a "peaceful" creature that had caused no harm, yet because of the colonizers' expectations and perceptions, it becomes a threat that must be violently subdued. This exemplifies the destructive nature of imperialism, as it forces individuals to act against their own conscience and perpetrate acts of tyranny in order to maintain control.
In conclusion, Orwell's anecdote of shooting the elephant illustrates his complex feelings about imperialism, showcasing the paradoxical nature of power and the dehumanizing effects it can have on both the colonizers and the colonized.
To answer questions about George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," I would need to have access to the text in order to provide accurate and specific information. However, I can help guide you on how to find the answers yourself by analyzing the text and looking for key details.
To find the answer to question 1, "Why does Orwell shoot the elephant?" you can refer to the text. Look for any statement or description that explains his reasoning or motivation for shooting the elephant. Pay close attention to Orwell's thoughts, emotions, or any external factors that influenced his decision. You can also examine any indications of societal pressure or expectations.
For question 2, "What are Orwell's feelings about imperialism, and how does the anecdote illustrate them?" you'll need to analyze the text for Orwell's thoughts, opinions, and attitudes towards imperialism. Look for passages where Orwell reflects on the historical context, power dynamics, or the effects of imperialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. Additionally, examine how Orwell's actions, such as shooting the elephant, symbolize or illustrate his feelings towards imperialism.
Once you have identified relevant passages or quotations, make sure to provide proper citations by mentioning the page number or directly quoting the text to support your answers.
If you have the text of "Shooting an Elephant" available, please provide specific quotes or passages for me to analyze, and I'll be more than happy to help further with your questions.