What is the significance of Orwell s Shooting an Elephant?

Answer 1

In Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" (1936) he displays the imperial administration's ambivalence concerning his action of destroying an elephant.

On the one hand, it was his legal responsibility because the elephant had murdered a local "Coolie." On the other hand, killing the elephant is tantamount to destroying the 'means of production,' which from a capitalist, or utilitarian, point of view is a great crime.

Orwell exposes the late-Victorian uncertainty over their true purpose as rulers in Burma. Are they upholding a moral truth, embedded in the colonial state, or simply maintaining the utility of their dominion?

This opposition between radical morality and utilitarian justification can be related to the contemporary collapse of metaphysical truth within postmodern linguistic philosophy. Orwell was concerned with both the social and political impacts of Victorian colonialism, in addition to his inquiries into the problem of language: i.e. "Politics and the English Language" (1946). The realm of absolute truth is replaced with the utility of language for communication. For examples, consider Wittgenstein and Derrida.

http://wiki.answers.com/How_to_describe_your_response_after_reading_George_Orwell_s_Shooting_an_Elephant#ixzz18S4bfWjr

Answer 2

The elephant symbolises the Burmese whilst Orwell is a symbol of the Empire. Basically, the elephant highlights the strength and determination of Burma. For example, a couple of quotes highlight this fully, 'Thick red blood welled out of him but still he did not die' - highlights the determination and unwillingness to give up the fight against the Empire. Also, 'But in falling he seemed for a moment to rise, he seemed to tower upward like a huge rock toppling, his trunk reaching skyward like a tree. He trumpeted for the first and only time.' - also fully highlights the massive amount of determination this wrecked country has.

You need to take into account the fact that this country has been torn apart and stripped of its beauty but this strong country still has this fight left in them, which the elephant personifies.

Answer 3

"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell is a powerful essay that explores themes of Imperialism, power dynamics, and moral dilemma. Through the narrative of a British police officer in colonial Burma who is forced to shoot an elephant, Orwell delves into the complexities of oppression, conformity, and the dehumanizing effects of imperialism on both the colonizer and the colonized. The essay raises questions about individual agency, societal expectations, and the destructive nature of imperialism.

Answer 4

Because of peer pressure.