After Orwell shoots the elephant, the local people of Burma gather around the fallen animal, showing a mix of curiosity and indifference. They begin to take advantage of the situation by butchering the elephant for its meat. Orwell reflects on the moral implications of his actions and feels a sense of guilt and regret, realizing that he was caught between his personal beliefs and the expectations of the local population. Ultimately, the event highlights the complexities of colonialism and the burdens placed on both the colonizer and the colonized.
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.
Shooting An Elephant is a work of creative non-fiction, so while the details likely come from Orwell's imagination rather than an uncanny ability to recall details, the story is, on the whole, factual. Recreational elephant hunting was not unheard of in India during the time the story takes place.
Eton, then Burma
Shooting an Elephant is set in Burma, Afghanistan.
Orwell argues that stories in the East often contain exaggerated or false elements, which he believed was a way to entertain or deceive the audience. In the context of "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell reflects on how the narrative surrounding the event he experienced as a colonial officer in Burma became distorted and embellished over time. He explores the power dynamics and complexities of truth in storytelling in a colonial context.
George Orwell disliked his job as a police officer in Burma. He experienced guilt over being part of an oppressive colonial system, which he later criticized in his writing. The experience influenced his views on imperialism and social injustice.
Orwell did not agree with the imperialistic practices of the British, so in his heart he sided with the Burmese.
The thesis statement of "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell is that imperialism not only oppresses the colonized but also dehumanizes the colonizers themselves, leading to moral conflicts and individual struggles with identity and power. Orwell uses his personal experience as a British colonial officer in Burma to explore the destructive nature of imperialism on both the oppressor and the oppressed.
Because he was an English officer. English had colonized India and had occupied it for almost 300 years. At the time of the story, the nationalist movement was going on in India and an anti-British feeling was very prevalent.
The main points of Shooting an Elephant;First of all, Orwell's main aim was to prove to the reader of the negative reality of Imperialism and how the Empire has destroyed this beautiful country.The Burmese are a strong, united country despite their wicked treatment.Although the Empire are physically strong, they are mentally corrupt and weak.Orwell uses symbolism in order to illustrate these points. For example, Orwell himself symbolises the weaknesses of the Empire and the elephant symbolises the strengths of Burma.
Burma, which was then still a part of the British Empire.
George Orwell's mother was called Ida Mabel Blair. She grew up in Burma with her french father. I hope this helps