In Orwell's essay "Shooting an Elephant," the act of killing the elephant reflects Orwell's internal conflict and discomfort with British Imperialism. Orwell is pressured to assert authority and uphold the image of British power, much like the imperialist motives driving the colonization of Burma. The act of killing the elephant symbolizes the destructive and oppressive nature of imperialism, as Orwell feels compelled to take drastic action to maintain control and dominance. Ultimately, the shooting of the elephant represents the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals within oppressive colonial systems.
