Shooting an Elephant

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Answers:

1. 
   linda-allen Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   This is a very subjective question, meaning that it is asking for your opinion. Only you can answer this question convincingly. If I gave you my opinion, it would be just that: my opinion.

   That said, let me give you some help in forming your opinion. Read the eNotes section on themes (linked below). The major themes of the story are conscience, culture clash, order and disorder, and prejudice and tolerance. You should get a lot of useful information here. Another theme that is not mentioned there is the issue of colonialism. The Burmese people resent the narrator because he represents the British government, which was in control of Burma in the story. The narrator also resents colonialism, mainly because of the way it makes people react to him.

   Also take a look at the discussion of characters (linked below). That shoudl help you understand how the narrator and the Burmese people feel toward one another.

   I hope this helps you.

   Sources:

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

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

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   Posted by linda-allen on Thursday March 20, 2008 at 9:29 AM
   
   

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