Why is the narrator important enough to be hated in Moulmein?

Answer 1

In George Orwell's essay "Shooting an Elephant," the narrator is a colonial police officer in Moulmein, and his authority makes him a target of resentment. The local Burmese people dislike him not just for his role as a symbol of British Imperialism, but also because he represents the oppressive power dynamics of colonial rule. His own internal conflict and sense of duty compel him to act against his better judgment, highlighting the complexities of his position and the animosity he faces from the locals. Ultimately, the narrator's importance lies in his embodiment of the contradictions inherent in colonialism, eliciting both hatred and empathy.