0
In many ways, Orwell did not have a choice, he presents it soon after the first actual sighting of the elephant that while a practical method could be followed: "It was perfectly clear to me what I ought to do, I ought to walk within 20-30 yards from the elephant testing it's behavior: If it were to charge I would shoot, if it did not react it would be safe to be left until the Mahout arrived" It was not something he felt able to advocate:
Orwell negates this obligation through a mixture of cowardice, prejudice and pressure that the massing crowd of "yellow faces" have instilled in him. Orwell is demonstrating that the splicing of cultures has led to this stand off and he must somehow act, he chooses to shoot the elephant, not because he has too but because it would be expedient to follow his prejudices against "appearing a fool " in front of the "natives" rather than adhere to idealist ethics.
Evidence for this lies in his moment of comic irony when he says that if the elephant were to trample him the native would laugh at him- this touch of ridiculousness emphasizes the effect Imperialism has had on Orwell. Although that particular image is not intended to be fully serious it is representative of the "hopelessness of the white man's dominion in the East" that even in his death he is struggling not to be laughed at.
He has become "the traditional image of the Sahib", who in theory has absolute power and as such could turn around and walk away, the compulsion to shoot the elephant comes about from the polar relationship that links the "natives" with the "Imperialists Orwell seems to be commenting on the battle between the compulsion to do what is right and what one feels obliged to do- his prejudices have led him in this case to abandon his morals. His argument running that once you have donned the "mask" your "face grows to fit it" and the empire you are master of compels you equally as much as you compel it. In such a relationship Orwell must bend to the will of the dehumanized collective mass who want the elephant dead, he is given no other choice.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What percentage of water is an elephant body made of?
An elephant's percentage of body fat is quite a bit less than expected with an average body fat of only 5% to 7%. The skin of the elephant actually weighs more than their total body fat.
What do you call a young elephant?
A young elephant is referred to as a calf.A calfa calf
How long is an elephant's memory?
About 20 years.(I think)
What do elephants ear smell like?
Pee really depends on the animal and what it's diet is. Rumour has it that elephant pee smells like licorice but I don't think anyone is willing to try it. (If you do smell some and you say it does smell like something I'll just take your word for it)
What animal has the largest ears?
Hello! A lot of animals have large ears, but I'd say that the elephant has large ears.
Why was Elephant island called Elephant island?
Because it looks like an elephant head with a trunk. It's really cold too, so I dont think that any elephants really live there.
What ensures an elephant will never be extinct?
nothing is every really sured, we just think we know..
Is system of a down pro life or pro choice?
I really want to think they're pro choice
Why did Milton Hershey killl his pets?
nobody knows really why he did but we think it was to eat them
Which shooting games are available for 9 year olds?
i really think freearcade is best for 9year olds
What were the assumptions of the writers of the tonkin gulf resolution and what did it accomplish?
The assumption was, "now that we've given the president an elephant gun, we don't really think he'll try to kill an elephant with it...do we?"
What is the purpose of Shooting an Elephant and who is the audience?
Orwell shoots the elephant when it is in heat because he is destroying property and also took someones life. Orwell didnt really want to kill it but the people following him made him feel pushed forward to do it.
How can one make a girl to like a boy?
Actually, i think that its the girls choice, really
Does Miley ever sing really good?
Well , it really depends on how you think the person sings. many people think that miley roccks and they love her. while other don't really like her. so it really just depends on how you look at it. so, it's your choice and your opinion if you think she does then she probalby does if you think she doesn't then she doesn't. Well , it really depends on how you think the person sings. many people think that miley roccks and they love her. while other don't really like her. so it really just depends on how you look at it. so, it's your choice and your opinion if you think she does then she probalby does if you think she doesn't then she doesn't.
Who do think would win in a fight a gorilla or an elephant?
Elephant .
What do you get if an elephant jumps to the moon?
i dont think an elephant can jump that high.
Would Chris Brown date Keyshia Cole?
Well i think that Chris Brown would have to do some serious thinking before he date her. That is my choice and that is what i think. Because i do not really like her. Again my choice.
