An Analysis Of George Orwell's Essay 'Shooting An Elephant'

Writing 122
25 January 2014
Experience Outweighs Theoretical Knowledge in the Works of George Orwell George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant” is the first of his works I was introduced to. I could not have asked for a better introduction to his writing style. It is one I can relate to. Even though I don’t consider myself a gifted linguist, the same type of life experiences are where I would find my writing voice. I feel very confident when I speak from experience. Theoretical knowledge, on the other hand, should not to be undervalued; it is simply theoretical. Not until one has lived through an experience can they begin to understand the contingencies and possible outcomes of their decisions. By failing or succeeding, one remembers
A way to travel and see more of the world while supporting their homeland. It would make sense to believe this because someone applying for this position most likely lived in Great Britain. The only knowledge they would have of this job would come from their peers and local media sources. In contrast, if they could have asked someone who has held this position, they might reconsider the job entirely. Orwell had no idea what to expect when he took this same career opportunity.
It wasn’t until he reached the far off land of Burma that he understood what this position truly entailed. As a police officer working for an invading country his presence was anything but desired. Or in his own words from the introduction of “Shooting an Elephant”:
In Moulmein, in lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people- the only time in my life I have been important enough for this to happen to me. I was a subdivisional police officer of the town, and in an aimless, petty kind of way anti-European feeling was very bitter. (Orwell, p.
His subject-matter will be determined by the age he lives in…before he ever begins to write he will have acquired an emotional attitude from which he will never fully escape. (Orwell, p. 226-227)
I believe that Orwell’s realization here embodies what I enjoy about his writing style so much. It also shows that experience should be counted as the cornerstone of his writing style. I cannot imagine enjoying his essays and published work as much if he wrote from theoretical knowledge as opposed to writing from his amazing life experiences. `As a student and a scholar, I feel more and more confident about my opinions and beliefs as time goes on. One thing stands out in my mind though, and luckily, I am unable to forget it. When I compare what I have learned as a requirement versus what I have experienced in life, I have no doubts as to which I would defend more ardently. Though I am quite sure that I am not being misinformed in my scholastic pursuits, I almost never feel the need to zealously defend what I have learned in school. However, when a subject arises that I have experienced or have first-hand knowledge of; I am able to defend it or refute it with a passion that would otherwise not exist. This passion arises from life experience and though these experiences may differ from person to person, it does give an air of assured certainty to those who have this first-hand knowledge.