from book geroge owell shooting an elephant since orwell quandary is largely his own fault, he is confessing his weakness. how does he enlist the readers sympathy?
In George Orwell's essay "Shooting an Elephant," the author indeed conveys a sense of personal conflict and admits his own weaknesses. Orwell’s intention in doing so is to elicit sympathy from the readers. Let's delve into how he achieves this:
1. establishing a relatable context: Orwell describes his role as a colonial police officer in British-occupied Burma, highlighting the tension and oppressive nature of the colonial system. By conveying the difficult circumstances in which he finds himself, he establishes a relatable context that piques the reader’s interest.
2. portraying internal struggle: Throughout the essay, Orwell portrays his internal struggle regarding whether or not to shoot an elephant that has gone rogue. By describing his distress and the dilemma he faces, he exposes his vulnerability and flaws. His admission of his own weaknesses, doubts, and moral conflict creates a sense of empathy in the reader.
3. revealing societal pressures: Orwell conveys the pressure and expectations imposed on him by both the native Burmese population, who despise the colonial regime, and his fellow European officers, who expect him to maintain control and authority. By highlighting these conflicting pressures and expectations, Orwell invites readers to empathize with his situation and the weight of his decision.
4. emphasizing the paradox: Orwell exposes the paradox of being an oppressor while feeling oppressed. As a representative of the British Empire, he simultaneously carries the burden of colonial power and feels the weight of the colonial system upon him. This juxtaposition highlights the complexity and contradictions of his position, and encourages readers to sympathize with his predicament.
By employing these strategies, Orwell enlists the reader's sympathy by presenting his personal quandary as a result of societal pressures and internal struggles. Through his honesty and vulnerability, he aims to humanize himself and evoke understanding from the audience.
Did you read this?
"Shooting an Elephant" is not a book. It's a short story, and if you have read it, this question is not difficult to answer.
Make sure you've read it and then let us know what YOU THINK.