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One interpretation is that the elephant represents Imperialism, which is oppressing the Burmese people. The elephant already killed a coolie, which represents imperialism taking over the people on a small scale. The elephant needs to be killed before it oppresses the people even further.

To look at the story from a literal sense, the elephant needed to be killed simply because it already killed one of the citizens and it posed as a threat to the people's safety.

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Q: In the book Shooting an Elephant Why do the local officials want something done about the elephant?
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Related questions

When was Shooting an Elephant created?

Shooting an Elephant was created in 1936.


What is the resolution on shooting an elephant?

There will be 1 less elephant


What is the setting in shooting an elephant?

Shooting an Elephant is set in Burma, Afghanistan.


What element of shooting an elephant most likely represented the colonized country?

the elephant


What does the elephant in the story shooting an elephant symbolize?

In a recent class discussion we came to the conclusion that the elephant symbolizes the imperialistic regime.


How big is the crowd following Orwell in his story Shooting an Elephant?

The crowd following Orwell in his story "Shooting an Elephant" is described as being large and growing as they gather to witness the potential shooting of the elephant. The crowd consists of a mix of locals and curious onlookers.


What does elephant symbolises in Shooting An Elephant?

In "Shooting an Elephant," the elephant symbolizes the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized. The decision to shoot the elephant represents the internal conflict faced by the narrator in upholding the oppressive system of imperialism. Ultimately, the elephant's death highlights the destructive nature of imperialism for both the colonizer and the colonized.


What is the context of the story Shooting an Elephant?

The purpose of the story "Shooting an Elephant" is about to put a light on imperialism. It is also to show that what is legal, and what is morally acceptable may not be compatible.


What is Orwell's purpose in giving details about the elephant's slow death in Shooting an Elephant?

Orwell's purpose in giving details about the elephant's slow death was to emphasize how unnecessary it was to have killed the elephant. George Orwell was an English writer.


Is the tone of shooting an elephant formal or informal?

Very informal


Who is the protagonist and antagonist in shooting an elephant by George Orwell?

The protagonist in "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell is the narrator, who is a British police officer in colonial Burma. The antagonist could be seen as the pressure and expectations from the local Burmese population, who are watching and goading the narrator to shoot the elephant.


Why does the narrator in Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell leave before the elephant is dead?

The narrator leaves before the elephant is dead because he feels increasing pressure and scrutiny from the crowd to act decisively. He is conscious of the expectations placed upon him as a representative of the British Empire and feels compelled to maintain his authority and status, even though he is conflicted about shooting the elephant.