Your response should include 3-5 complete sentences in paragraph form. Use text evidence.

Question

How does the act of eliminating the elephant in George Orwell's essay "Shooting an Elephant" reflect George Orwell's attitude toward British Imperialism?

Answer 1

In "Shooting an Elephant," the act of eliminating the elephant symbolizes Orwell's critique of British imperialism. Orwell feels compelled to kill the elephant not because he truly believes it is necessary, but because he wants to uphold the expectations of the colonial oppressors and maintain his status as a white imperialist. This reflects Orwell's attitude towards British imperialism as oppressive and irrational, showing how the colonizer is forced to commit acts of violence and domination in order to maintain control. Additionally, Orwell's internal conflict and guilt over killing the elephant suggest his disillusionment with the moral bankruptcy of imperialism and the dehumanizing effect it has on both the colonizer and the colonized. Overall, the act of eliminating the elephant serves as a powerful metaphor for the destructive and senseless nature of British imperialism in Orwell's eyes.