The main themes of “Shooting an Elephant” include conscience, culture clash, and order and disorder . Conscience: In the essay, colonial law contrasts with the conscience of the narrator both in his killing of the elephant and his treatment of the Burmese.
What is the theme of Shooting an Elephant quizlet?
In the essay, Orwell explores themes of imperialism, captivity, and authority . The officer struggles with the choice to kill the elephant. His moral compass tells him to observe and report, but he must maintain an atmosphere of authority, holding the rifle among the crowd of Burmese natives.
What is Orwell purpose in writing Shooting an Elephant?
The primary purpose of Orwell's short story “Shooting an Elephant” is to illustrate the oppressive influence that imperialist regimes have on the agents who represent and uphold the image of their impenetrable empire .
What is the deeper meaning of Shooting an Elephant?
Among other things, then, ‘Shooting an Elephant' is about how those in power act when they are aware that they have an audience . It is about how so much of our behaviour is shaped, not by what we want to do, nor even by what we think is the right thing to do, but by what others will think of us.
What is the central idea about identity in Shooting an Elephant?
An important point of George Orwell's “On Shooting an Elephant” is that colonial rule is ultimately evil . In Orwell's opinion piece, it becomes apparent that he recognizes what he calls “the futility of the white man's dominion in the East” and the problematic nature of imperialism.
What does Shooting an Elephant reveal about imperialism?
The British officer, the executioner, acts as a symbol of the imperial country, while the elephant symbolizes the victim of imperialism. ... The shooting of the elephant in the incident that reveals that imperialism inflicts damage on both parties in an imperialistic relationship.
Why does Orwell finally decide to shoot the elephant quizlet?
Orwell was hesitant because the elephant seemed peaceful and under control; he was also considering the monetary worth of the elephant for its owner. Ultimately, the pressure from the crowd and fear of shame was what pushed him to pull the trigger.
What is the main point or theme of the essay Shooting an Elephant?
The main themes of “Shooting an Elephant” include conscience, culture clash, and order and disorder . Conscience: In the essay, colonial law contrasts with the conscience of the narrator both in his killing of the elephant and his treatment of the Burmese.
What is Orwell's primary purpose in writing Shooting an Elephant quizlet?
He shoots the elephant mostly to avoid looking foolish . Why does this hatred of George Orwell cause conflict in him? He sympathized with the Burmese, but they bullied him constantly.
What does the elephant symbolize?
Elephants are traditionally considered a symbol of good luck, wisdom, fertility, and protection . Wearing or placing the image of the elephant with its trunk raised in your home is thought to attract good fortune, as it showers its positive energy out of the trunk and into all surrounding beings and spaces.
Did Orwell actually shoot an elephant?
In his biography of Orwell, George Orwell: A Life, Bernard Crick cast doubt on the idea that Orwell himself actually shot an elephant. No independent account of Orwell's actions has been found, and there was no official record of the incident , which was unusual because of the destruction of valuable property.
How many shots does Orwell shoot to shoot an elephant?
How many bullets does it take to bring the elephant down? As the elephant makes terrible, gasping noises, Orwell fires 2 bullets into the elephant's heart.
When was George Orwell considered a success?
(“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”) At first Orwell had difficulty finding a publisher for the small masterpiece, but when it appeared in 1945 , Animal Farm made him famous and, for the first time, prosperous.
What is an elephant trainer called?
Mahout | elephant trainer | Britannica.
To educate people on how they can help stop the decline of the language .
Who is the main character in shooting an elephant?
The main character in “Shooting an Elephant,” is George Orwell , the author of the story.
