Orwell

Michael pool Orwell Why did the Elephant have to die' Killing is terrible in general. There are occasional references to imperialism throughout Shooting an Elephant, which may pass by the reader’s awareness without notice. While these references are by no means the most important aspect of Shooting and Elephant in terms of the chronological and physical setting. The conflicts that are developed in relationship to it, they nonetheless have importance that can help the person who is reading understand Orwell and the novel’s theme. The topics mentioned throughout are why elephants can be dangerous. As well as, why British imperialism played a monumental role in the assassination of the animal and why Orwell ultimately decides to shoot the elephant. First off, elephants can be unsafe because they are extremely large animals which are also territorial and will attack if you get too close to them. In this literature the elephant goes through musth, sometimes spelled “must” in English which means they are ready to mate; assuming the elephant was male. During this time, they are very aggressive and will attack almost anything that moves. This lead the natives to believe that elephant was treacherous to them. However, there is some thought that this condition is linked to a show of dominance though the link isn't exactly clear. Even if they don’t intend to, the animal’s size alone makes it one to be weary of. Second off, British Imperialism played a monumental role in the assassination of the elephant. Imperialism is basically a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. It started because of social Darwinism; strong nations are obliged to dominate weaker nations. Being surrounded and engulfed by a chaotic environment, these characteristics rub off onto people. In the words of Orwell, “imperialism was an evil thing…” Last of all, why Orwell in the end decides to shoot the elephant. Orwell believes, “There was only one alternative.” The narrator also asserts that “when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys.” But is he simply making excuses for his own shortcomings' After all, he could refuse to shoot the elephant and walk away. True, he would lose face. But he would retain his honor; his conscience would remain clear. However, under pressure to kill the beast, he cannot muster the courage to oppose the will of crowd. So he decides to shoot the elephant (even though he admits that he is a “poor shot with a rifle”). When you’ve been heckled by “evil-spirited little beasts” as Orwell calls them in the essay, the outcome of the travesty should not be surprising. In conclusion, British imperialism played a monumental role in the death of the elephant. Also, why an elephant is hazardous and why Orwell at the end of the day decides to shoot the elephant. In retrospect, the elephant symbolized the British Empire. Like the elephant, the empire is powerful. When the elephant raids the bazaar, he symbolizes the British Empire raiding the economy of Burma. When he kills the coolie, he represents the British oppressing the natives. Likewise, the dead collie symbolized the broken Burmese. Note that Orwell says “his arms are outstretched like those of the crucified Christ.” Works Cited Online: Orwell, George. "Shooting An Elephant by George Orwell." The Literature Network: Online Classic Literature, Poems, and Quotes. Essays & Summaries. Web. 05 Jan. 2012. http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/887/. "Imperialism." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 05 Jan. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperialism.