Shooting An Elephant
NOTES ON SHOOTING AN ELEPHANT
1) colonialism in "Shooting an Elephant."
* George Orwell wrote this essay when England ruled Burma as a colony---much like it had ruled America during the colonial period. Colonialism occurred when many European nations simply took over countries because they believed their culture was superior to the native culture. The ideas of social darwinism, or survival of the strongest nations and/or people, played a large role in the domination and subjection of countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. So, what your teacher wants to you mention is how Orwell felt about being put in charge of this native population which does not like him or the country he represents. If you look at the first line of the essay, Orwell says this was the only times he was " important enough to be hated" so much. As you read further, you will find other examples of Orwell's dislike of colonialism, especially during his decision about whether or not to shoot the elephant.
* The story has to do with a colonial policeman working in Burma which is governed by the British Empire. The runaway elephant provides an opportunity for the reader to recognize the culture clash between colonizer and colonized.
"British completed their colonization of the country in 1886, Burma was immediately annexed as a province of British India, …show more content…
In the essay, Orwell finds himself being the enemy within another culture. The paradox is that Orwell sympathizes with the Burmese people and their desire to overthrow their British oppressors and yet he also hates the people who criticize and abuse him. He has mixed feelings about colonialism and its abuse of power and yet he follows the rules and does what he is supposed to do. Thus, his message is that colonialism is inherently contradictory--just as contradictory as his encounter with the
1) colonialism in "Shooting an Elephant."
* George Orwell wrote this essay when England ruled Burma as a colony---much like it had ruled America during the colonial period. Colonialism occurred when many European nations simply took over countries because they believed their culture was superior to the native culture. The ideas of social darwinism, or survival of the strongest nations and/or people, played a large role in the domination and subjection of countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. So, what your teacher wants to you mention is how Orwell felt about being put in charge of this native population which does not like him or the country he represents. If you look at the first line of the essay, Orwell says this was the only times he was " important enough to be hated" so much. As you read further, you will find other examples of Orwell's dislike of colonialism, especially during his decision about whether or not to shoot the elephant.
* The story has to do with a colonial policeman working in Burma which is governed by the British Empire. The runaway elephant provides an opportunity for the reader to recognize the culture clash between colonizer and colonized.
"British completed their colonization of the country in 1886, Burma was immediately annexed as a province of British India, …show more content…
In the essay, Orwell finds himself being the enemy within another culture. The paradox is that Orwell sympathizes with the Burmese people and their desire to overthrow their British oppressors and yet he also hates the people who criticize and abuse him. He has mixed feelings about colonialism and its abuse of power and yet he follows the rules and does what he is supposed to do. Thus, his message is that colonialism is inherently contradictory--just as contradictory as his encounter with the