Themes: Colonial Guilt and Tyranny
Orwell is known as a democratic socialist who hated imperialism, and by the time he came to write “Shooting an Elephant,” he had reached this mature perspective. The young man he describes in this incident a decade ago, however, was a less systematic thinker, uncomfortable and confused in his role as a low-level official doing “the dirty work of empire.” He also believes that his own attitude was approximately typical of Anglo-Indian officials, since such feelings are “normal by-products of imperialism.”
Orwell felt guilty because he was an agent of tyranny, imposing the will of a cruel and corrupt foreign power on the Burmese people. At the same time, he resented these people because they would not hide their hatred. This resentment produced more guilt, as did the fact that, theoretically at least, he was in sympathy with the Burmese and had to hide this sympathy. Orwell shows that the effect of hiding his sympathy was to increase his secret anger, against the empire, the Burmese, and himself, while at the same time he was forced to be constantly on his guard against letting the mask slip and revealing his true feelings, all of which were in some way shameful.
Expert Q&A
What does Orwell mean by "the real nature of imperialism" in his essay "Shooting an Elephant" and how does he illustrate it?
In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell reveals "the real nature of imperialism" as irrational, cruel, and dehumanizing. He illustrates this through the incident where he feels compelled to shoot a calm elephant to maintain authority and avoid humiliation. This act demonstrates how imperialism forces individuals into rigid roles, stripping them of their humanity and freedom, both for the oppressors and the oppressed.
The narrator's complex feelings and motivations regarding the decision to shoot the elephant in "Shooting an Elephant"
The narrator's complex feelings and motivations in "Shooting an Elephant" stem from his internal conflict between his moral opposition to shooting the elephant and the immense pressure to conform to the expectations of the local Burmese people. He ultimately decides to shoot the elephant to avoid appearing weak and to uphold the image of colonial authority, despite his personal reluctance.
Compare the killings of the elephant and the Indian coolie in "Shooting an Elephant."
The killings of the Indian coolie and the elephant in "Shooting an Elephant" differ in their immediacy and symbolism. The coolie dies instantly, crushed by the elephant, symbolizing the agony of colonial subjugation. In contrast, the elephant’s prolonged death, caused by Orwell’s repeated shots, represents the slow demise of the British Empire. Both deaths evoke pity, but the elephant’s death also generates disgust towards Orwell for its avoidability.
In Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," what is the Burmese attitude towards imperialism?
In "Shooting an Elephant," the Burmese have a very negative attitude towards imperialism. They express their discontent by spitting at European women and jeering at British officers but are too fearful of physical violence to openly revolt. Orwell depicts their hatred through their actions and the oppressive conditions they endure, such as being kept in cages and beaten.
What is the significance of the Burmese wanting the narrator to kill the elephant?
The significance of the Burmese wanting the narrator to kill the elephant lies in their desire for retributive justice and mob satisfaction, as the elephant had caused destruction and death. Additionally, the crowd manipulates the situation to challenge imperial authority, forcing the narrator to uphold "law and order" and exposing the contradictions of colonial rule.
The justification and motivations behind George Orwell's decision to shoot the elephant in "Shooting an Elephant."
In "Shooting an Elephant," George Orwell shoots the elephant primarily due to peer pressure and his desire to avoid looking weak before the Burmese crowd. Though he personally feels it is wrong, he is compelled by the expectations of the locals and his role as a colonial officer to maintain authority and control.
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