Student Question
Compare Joseph Conrad's and George Orwell's views on imperialism in Heart of Darkness and "Shooting an Elephant."
Quick answer:
Joseph Conrad and George Orwell both critique imperialism as oppressive and morally corrupt in Heart of Darkness and "Shooting an Elephant," respectively. Orwell describes British imperialism as "an unbreakable tyranny," highlighting the narrator's internal conflict and societal pressures. Similarly, Conrad depicts the British as exploitative, despite their self-perception as "good" people. Both authors illustrate how imperialists maintain appearances and overlook injustices to preserve societal status.
Orwell and Conrad both portray imperialism as an evil oppression towards other groups. Orwell describes British imperialism in "Shooting an Elephant", as "an unbreakable tyranny". Then, the narrator further contrasts how he would like to kill the natives.
Conrad's dreary description of the influence of the British on the Africans is also an attack against the oppression of imperialism. Although the British think that they are "good" people, the story proves otherwise. In fact, the British colonized, tortured and exploited the Africans.
Another view pointed out in both works is how imperialists act together to overlook things to save face in society.
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