close-up illustration of an elephant's face

Shooting an Elephant

by George Orwell

Start Free Trial

Shooting an Elephant Questions on Colonialism

Shooting an Elephant Study Tools

Take a quiz Ask a question Start an essay

Shooting an Elephant

George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" critiques imperialism by highlighting its detrimental effects on both the colonizers and the colonized. Orwell illustrates how imperialism forces the British to...

29 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

In "Shooting an Elephant," the dead coolie is described in detail to emphasize the brutality of colonial rule. His body is depicted lying in the mud, with a contorted face and a crushed skull,...

2 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell uses powerful language and vivid imagery to convey strong emotions and critique British imperialism. He employs simple, direct language to describe violent and...

7 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

The problem faced by the village in "Shooting an Elephant" is the chaos and danger caused by a rampaging elephant. The solution is the narrator, a British colonial police officer, reluctantly...

3 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

Orwell harbors resentment and disdain towards the Buddhist monks in "Shooting an Elephant." He perceives them as passive-aggressive and hypocritical, contributing to his overall frustration with...

2 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell exhibits ambivalence towards the Burmese, sympathizing with their subjugation while resenting their hostility towards him as a British officer. His disdain is...

3 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

In George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," the term "enlightening" can be interpreted as Orwell's realization of the complexities and contradictions of imperialism. Through his experience, he...

2 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

George Orwell reflects negatively on his younger self in "Shooting an Elephant," recalling his role as an imperial policeman in Burma as morally conflicting and indicative of the broader evils of...

1 educator answer

Shooting an Elephant

The conflicts the main characters face in “Shooting an Elephant” and “No Witchcraft for Sale” are similar in being concerned with power and status in a colonial society. Points of contrast stem from...

1 educator answer

Shooting an Elephant

In George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," differing perspectives emerge among British officers regarding the shooting of an elephant. Older officers support the protagonist's decision, emphasizing...

4 educator answers

Shooting an Elephant

In George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," the elephant symbolizes multiple facets of imperialism and its effects. It represents the British Empire's oppressive force and the narrator's internal...

19 educator answers