Home > Shooting an Elephant Summary & Study Guide > Shooting an Elephant Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   scarletpimpernel Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   While Orwell's purpose in writing "On Shooting an Elephant" is to expose the overbearing nature and negative consequences of the British Empire upon the "natives" under its control, some of his word choice, especially in today's politically correct society, is offensive.  The offensiveness or racial aspects of the essay stem mainly from Orwell's descriptions of the Burmese.  He calls them "evil-spirited little beasts," and mentions their  "sneering yellow faces."

   Orwell's tone is also tinged with racial superiority.  He writes with confidence and does not seem particularly interested in understanding Burmese culture or the motives behind their actions toward him.  Rather, he portrays himself as a sympathetic character while remaining rather cold toward those who are in a more precarious position in the Empire's realm than he is, simply because they are not British by birth or white.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/shooting-elephant/author-biography

   http://www.enotes.com/shooting-elephant/critical-overview

   http://www.enotes.com/shooting-elephant/style

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by scarletpimpernel on Friday October 2, 2009 at 3:23 PM