shooting an elephant critical essay

Moral Dilemmas in 'Shooting an Elephant': A Critical Analysis

George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" is a poignant and thought-provoking essay that delves into the complexities of colonialism and its impact on both the colonizer and the colonized. The story, set in Burma during Orwell's time as a police officer, presents a compelling moral dilemma that forces the reader to confront the ethical implications of power, duty, and individual conscience. Through the protagonist's internal struggle, Orwell masterfully exposes the insidious nature of imperialism and its ability to corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Burden of Power and Duty</h2>

The central conflict in "Shooting an Elephant" revolves around the protagonist's struggle with his own sense of duty and the overwhelming pressure of his position as a colonial officer. The elephant, a symbol of the colonized people's power and resistance, has gone rogue, wreaking havoc in the town. The protagonist, despite his personal reservations about the act, feels compelled to shoot the elephant due to the expectations placed upon him by the Burmese people and his superiors. He recognizes the absurdity of the situation, acknowledging that the elephant's rampage is a direct consequence of the colonial regime's oppressive policies. However, he feels trapped by the weight of his authority, unable to defy the demands of his role. This internal conflict highlights the moral dilemma faced by those who hold power in a colonial context, where their actions are often dictated by the interests of the empire rather than their own conscience.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Dehumanizing Effects of Colonialism</h2>

Orwell's essay goes beyond a simple narrative of a man forced to shoot an elephant. It delves into the psychological and emotional toll that colonialism takes on both the colonizer and the colonized. The protagonist's internal struggle reveals the dehumanizing effects of imperialism, as he is forced to act against his own moral compass to maintain the facade of colonial authority. He becomes increasingly aware of the absurdity of his position, recognizing that his actions are ultimately serving the interests of a system that he himself questions. The elephant, a symbol of the colonized people's resistance, becomes a metaphor for the inherent injustice of colonialism. The protagonist's act of shooting the elephant, while seemingly justified by his duty, ultimately reinforces the power imbalance and perpetuates the cycle of oppression.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Power of Individual Conscience</h2>

Despite the overwhelming pressure to conform to the expectations of his role, the protagonist in "Shooting an Elephant" ultimately chooses to act according to his own conscience. He recognizes the futility of his actions and the inherent cruelty of the colonial system. The act of shooting the elephant, while seemingly fulfilling his duty, leaves him feeling deeply disturbed and disillusioned. This internal struggle highlights the importance of individual conscience in challenging the status quo and resisting the dehumanizing effects of power. The protagonist's decision to act against the demands of his position, even though it comes at a personal cost, serves as a testament to the power of individual morality in confronting the injustices of the world.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Legacy of "Shooting an Elephant"</h2>

"Shooting an Elephant" remains a powerful and relevant piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Orwell's masterful exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the web of colonialism serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of imperialism and the importance of individual conscience in challenging oppressive systems. The essay's enduring relevance lies in its ability to transcend the specific historical context of British colonialism in Burma and speak to the universal human experience of navigating complex moral dilemmas in the face of power and authority. Orwell's poignant portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggle serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resisting the dehumanizing effects of power and upholding the values of individual conscience and moral integrity.

Related Essays

The psychological impact of imperialism: exploring orwell's 'shooting an elephant'.

The psychological impact of imperialism is a theme that has been explored in various forms of literature, and George Orwell's 'Shooting an Elephant' is no exception. This narrative essay, set in British-ruled Burma, provides a profound insight into the psychological turmoil experienced by the protagonist, a British police officer, as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions within the imperialistic framework. The narrative serves as a metaphorical exploration of the psychological effects of imperialism on both the oppressor and the oppressed. The Burden of the White ManThe protagonist's predicament in 'Shooting an Elephant' is a reflection of the psychological burden that imperialism imposes on the colonizers. Orwell uses the elephant as a symbol of the British Empire's might and the protagonist's reluctance to shoot it as a metaphor for his inner conflict. He is torn between his personal beliefs and the expectations of the natives, who view him as an embodiment of imperial power. This internal struggle is a manifestation of the psychological impact of imperialism, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the colonizers. The Power Dynamics of ImperialismOrwell's narrative also delves into the power dynamics inherent in imperialism and their psychological implications. The protagonist, despite being a symbol of authority, feels powerless in the face of the natives' expectations. This paradoxical situation underscores the psychological complexities of imperialism. The colonizers, despite their apparent power, are often trapped in a web of expectations and obligations, leading to a sense of helplessness and alienation. The Dehumanizing Effect of ImperialismImperialism often leads to the dehumanization of both the colonizers and the colonized, a theme that Orwell explores in 'Shooting an Elephant'. The protagonist's decision to shoot the elephant, despite his initial reluctance, is a testament to the dehumanizing effect of imperialism. It compels individuals to act against their moral compass, leading to a sense of guilt and self-loathing. This psychological impact of imperialism is a recurring theme in Orwell's narrative, highlighting the moral degradation that often accompanies imperialistic endeavors. The Psychological Impact on the OppressedWhile Orwell's narrative primarily focuses on the psychological impact of imperialism on the colonizers, it also sheds light on its effects on the oppressed. The natives' reaction to the shooting of the elephant underscores their resentment and fear, reflecting the psychological trauma inflicted by imperialism. Their dependence on the colonizers, despite their hatred for them, is a poignant commentary on the psychological complexities of the oppressed under imperialism.In conclusion, Orwell's 'Shooting an Elephant' provides a profound exploration of the psychological impact of imperialism. It delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the colonizers, the power dynamics inherent in imperialism, and its dehumanizing effects. Furthermore, it sheds light on the psychological trauma experienced by the oppressed, underscoring the multifaceted psychological implications of imperialism. Orwell's narrative serves as a powerful critique of imperialism, highlighting its detrimental effects on the human psyche.

The Role of Authority in 'Shooting an Elephant': A Close Reading

The oppressive heat of Burma, the jeering crowd, and the weight of a rifle in his hands – these are the elements that converge in George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant," a story that transcends a simple act of animal cruelty to become a profound exploration of the complex dynamics of power, authority, and individual morality. Through the experience of the unnamed narrator, a young British police officer stationed in Burma during the height of British imperialism, Orwell masterfully dissects the insidious nature of authority and its capacity to corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The Weight of ExpectationThe narrator finds himself caught in the throes of a moral dilemma when he is tasked with dealing with a rogue elephant that has wreaked havoc on the local village. As a representative of the British Empire, he is expected to maintain order and assert his authority. The villagers, eager to see the elephant punished and their own sense of justice served, look to him with a mixture of fear and anticipation. This weight of expectation, this burden of authority, becomes a palpable force that pushes the narrator towards a decision he does not necessarily agree with. He recognizes the absurdity of the situation, the senselessness of taking the life of a magnificent creature for a momentary lapse in judgment. Yet, the pressure to conform, to fulfill his perceived role as the dominant force, proves too overwhelming to resist. The Spectacle of PowerThe act of shooting the elephant becomes a public spectacle, a performance of power designed to maintain the illusion of control. The narrator, acutely aware of the watchful eyes of the Burmese crowd, understands that his actions have implications that extend far beyond the immediate situation. He is not merely an individual acting on his own conscience but a symbol of the British Empire itself. To hesitate, to show weakness or indecision, would be to undermine the carefully constructed facade of imperial authority. The rifle in his hands becomes an instrument not only of death but also of subjugation, a means of reinforcing the existing power structure. The Erosion of MoralityThe aftermath of the shooting leaves the narrator deeply disturbed, haunted by the slow, agonizing death of the elephant. He recognizes the gravity of his actions, the irreversible consequences of his decision. The experience serves as a stark reminder of the corrosive nature of authority, its ability to erode individual morality and compel individuals to act against their better judgment. The narrator's initial empathy for the elephant, his understanding of the animal's intrinsic worth, is gradually chipped away by the pressures of his position. He becomes complicit in a system that values power and control above all else, sacrificing his own moral compass in the process.The tragic demise of the elephant in "Shooting an Elephant" serves as a powerful indictment of the dehumanizing effects of authority. Through the narrator's internal struggle, Orwell reveals the insidious ways in which power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, forcing them to compromise their values and act against their own moral code. The story stands as a timeless reminder of the importance of individual conscience and the need to resist the seductive allure of unchecked authority.

The Power of Colonialism: Analyzing Orwell's 'Shooting an Elephant'

George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" is a poignant and thought-provoking essay that delves into the complexities of colonialism and its impact on both the colonizer and the colonized. Through the narrative of a British police officer in Burma, Orwell masterfully exposes the moral dilemmas and psychological burdens that accompany imperial rule. The essay serves as a powerful indictment of colonialism, highlighting its dehumanizing effects and the insidious nature of power dynamics. The Burden of Imperial AuthorityOrwell's essay opens with a vivid description of his role as a police officer in Burma, a country under British colonial rule. He recounts his initial disdain for the Burmese people, viewing them as "inferior" and "unworthy" of respect. However, his perspective begins to shift as he witnesses the oppressive nature of colonial rule firsthand. He observes the rampant poverty, the exploitation of the Burmese people, and the arbitrary use of power by the British authorities. This realization forces him to confront the hypocrisy and injustice inherent in the colonial system. The Elephant IncidentThe central event of the essay is the shooting of an elephant. Orwell, feeling pressured by the Burmese onlookers and the expectations of his superiors, reluctantly decides to kill the animal, despite knowing that it poses no real threat. This act of violence, driven by a desire to maintain his authority and uphold the image of British power, becomes a turning point in Orwell's understanding of colonialism. He recognizes that his actions are not only morally reprehensible but also deeply symbolic of the oppressive nature of imperial rule. The Psychological Impact of ColonialismOrwell's essay goes beyond simply describing the physical and political aspects of colonialism. He delves into the psychological impact of imperial rule, exploring the ways in which it shapes the minds and actions of both the colonizer and the colonized. He describes his own feelings of guilt, shame, and alienation, highlighting the internal conflict that arises from participating in a system that he increasingly recognizes as unjust. He also explores the ways in which colonialism fosters a sense of powerlessness and resentment among the colonized, leading to a cycle of violence and oppression. The Legacy of ColonialismOrwell's "Shooting an Elephant" remains a powerful and relevant commentary on the enduring legacy of colonialism. The essay serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of imperial rule, both for the colonized and the colonizer. It highlights the importance of understanding the complex and often contradictory nature of power dynamics, and the need to challenge systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and injustice. Orwell's words continue to resonate with readers today, prompting us to reflect on the historical and contemporary implications of colonialism and its enduring impact on the world.

Symbolism and Irony in 'Shooting an Elephant': A Literary Analysis

In George Orwell's poignant short story, "Shooting an Elephant," a seemingly simple event transforms into a profound exploration of colonialism, morality, and the human condition. Set against the backdrop of British Burma, the narrative follows the unnamed narrator, a young British police officer, as he grapples with the complex realities of his position within the oppressive colonial system. Through vivid imagery and masterful storytelling, Orwell weaves a tale rich in symbolism and irony, exposing the dehumanizing effects of imperialism on both the colonized and the colonizer. The Weight of EmpireThe elephant itself emerges as a potent symbol of Burma, representing the immense power and majesty of the colonized nation. Its very presence evokes a sense of awe and respect, qualities that stand in stark contrast to the treatment it receives at the hands of the British Empire. The elephant's eventual demise, brought about by the narrator's reluctant action, mirrors the slow, agonizing decline of Burma under colonial rule. Just as the elephant is stripped of its agency and dignity, so too is Burma deprived of its autonomy and cultural identity. The narrator's rifle, a tool of oppression and control, becomes a symbol of the brute force upon which the British Empire relied to maintain its dominance. The Illusion of PowerIronically, while the narrator initially perceives himself as a figure of authority, he soon realizes the illusory nature of his power. Trapped within the rigid confines of his colonial role, he becomes a prisoner of the very system he represents. The expectations of the Burmese crowd, eager to witness a display of British might, weigh heavily upon him, pushing him towards an act he knows to be morally wrong. This ironic reversal highlights the insidious ways in which colonialism distorts power dynamics, transforming those in positions of authority into puppets of the imperial machine. The Price of ConformityThe narrator's decision to shoot the elephant, despite his better judgment, underscores the corrosive effects of societal pressure and the human desire for acceptance. Fearful of appearing weak or indecisive in the eyes of the Burmese onlookers, he sacrifices his own moral compass in a futile attempt to maintain the façade of imperial control. This act of conformity reveals the profound psychological toll exacted by colonialism, as individuals are forced to compromise their values in order to navigate the complexities of an unjust system. The Enduring LegacyOrwell's masterful use of symbolism and irony in "Shooting an Elephant" elevates the story beyond a mere anecdote, transforming it into a timeless commentary on the human condition. The narrative's enduring power lies in its ability to expose the hypocrisy and brutality of colonialism while simultaneously highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught within its web. Through the lens of this seemingly insignificant event, Orwell offers a profound meditation on the nature of power, the complexities of identity, and the enduring struggle for freedom and justice. The story serves as a stark reminder of the dehumanizing effects of oppression, urging us to confront the legacies of colonialism and to strive for a more just and equitable world.

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A Summary and Analysis of George Orwell’s ‘Shooting an Elephant’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Shooting an Elephant’ is a 1936 essay by George Orwell (1903-50), about his time as a young policeman in Burma, which was then part of the British empire. The essay explores an apparent paradox about the behaviour of Europeans, who supposedly have the power over their colonial subjects.

Before we offer an analysis of Orwell’s essay, it might be worth providing a short summary of ‘Shooting an Elephant’, which you can read here .

Orwell begins by relating some of his memories from his time as a young police officer working in Burma. Although the extent to which the essay is autobiographical has been disputed, we will refer to the narrator as Orwell himself, for ease of reference.

He, like other British and European people in imperial Burma, was held in contempt by the native populace, with Burmese men tripping him up during football matches between the Europeans and Burmans, and the local Buddhist priests loudly insulting their European colonisers on the streets.

Orwell tells us that these experiences instilled in him two things: it confirmed his view, which he had already formed, that imperialism was evil, but it also inspired a hatred of the enmity between the European imperialists and their native subjects. Of course, these two things are related, and Orwell understands why the Buddhist priests hate living under European rule. He is sympathetic towards such a view, but it isn’t pleasant when you yourself are personally the object of ridicule or contempt.

He finds himself caught in the middle between ‘hatred of the empire’ he served and his ‘rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make [his] job impossible’.

The main story which Orwell relates takes place in Moulmein, in Lower Burma. An elephant, one of the tame elephants which the locals own and use, has given its rider or mahout the slip, and has been wreaking havoc throughout the bazaar. It has destroyed a hut, killed a cow, and raided some fruit stalls for food. Orwell picks up his rifle and gets on his pony to go and see what he can do.

He knows the rifle won’t be good enough to kill the elephant, but he hopes that firing the gun might scare the animal. Orwell discovers that the elephant has just trampled a man, a coolie or native labourer, to the ground, killing him. Orwell sends his pony away and calls for an elephant rifle which would be more effective against such a big animal. Going in search of the elephant, Orwell finds it coolly eating some grass, looking as harmless as a cow.

It has calmed down, but by this point a crowd of thousands of local Burmese people has amassed, and is watching Orwell intently. Even though he sees no need to kill the animal now it no longer poses a threat to anyone, he realises that the locals expect him to dispatch it, and he will lose ‘face’ – both personally and as an imperial representative – if he does not do what the crowd expects.

So he shoots the elephant from a safe distance, marvelling at how long the animal takes to die. He acknowledges at the end of the essay that he only shot the elephant because he did not wish to look like a fool.

‘Shooting an Elephant’ is obviously about more than Orwell’s killing of the elephant: the whole incident was, he tells us, ‘a tiny incident in itself, but it gave me a better glimpse than I had had before of the real nature of imperialism – the real motives for which despotic governments act.’

The surprise is that despotic governments don’t merely impose their iron boot upon people without caring what their poor subjects think of them, but rather that despots do care about how they are judged and viewed by their subjects.

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 .

Orwell confesses that he had spent his whole life trying to avoid being laughed at, and this is one of his key motivations when dealing with the elephant: not to invite ridicule or laughter from the Burmese people watching him.

To come all that way, rifle in hand, with two thousand people marching at my heels, and then to trail feebly away, having done nothing – no, that was impossible. The crowd would laugh at me. And my whole life, every white man’s life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at.

Note how ‘my whole life’ immediately widens to ‘every white man’s life in the East’: this is not just Orwell’s psychology but the psychology of every imperial agent. Orwell goes on to imagine what grisly death he would face if he shot the elephant and missed, and he was trampled like the hapless coolie the elephant had killed: ‘And if that happened it was quite probable that some of them would laugh. That would never do.’

The stiff upper lip of this final phrase is British imperialism personified. Being trampled to death by the elephant might be something that Orwell could live with (as it were); but being laughed at? And, worse still, laughed at by the ‘natives’? Unthinkable …

And from this point, Orwell extrapolates his own experience to consider the colonial experience at large: the white European may think he is in charge of his colonial subjects, but ironically – even paradoxically – the coloniser loses his own freedom when he takes it upon himself to subjugate and rule another people:

I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys. He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalized figure of a sahib. For it is the condition of his rule that he shall spend his life in trying to impress the ‘natives,’ and so in every crisis he has got to do what the ‘natives’ expect of him. He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.

So, at the heart of ‘Shooting an Elephant’ are two intriguing paradoxes: imperial rulers and despots actually care deeply about how their colonised subjects view them (even if they don’t care about those subjects), and the one who colonises loses his own freedom when he takes away the freedom of his colonial subjects, because he is forced to play the role of the ‘sahib’ or gentleman, setting an example for the ‘natives’, and, indeed, ‘trying to impress’ them. He is the alien in their land, which helps to explain this second paradox, but the first is more elusive.

However, even this paradox is perhaps explicable. As Orwell says, aware of the absurdity of the scene: ‘Here was I, the white man with his gun, standing in front of the unarmed native crowd – seemingly the leading actor of the piece; but in reality I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind.’

The Burmese natives are the ones with the real power in this scene, both because they are the natives and because they outnumber the lone policeman, by several thousand to one. He may have a gun, but they have the numbers. He is performing for a crowd, and the most powerful elephant gun in the world wouldn’t be enough to give him power over the situation.

There is a certain inevitability conveyed by Orwell’s clever repetitions (‘I did not in the least want to shoot him … They had seen the rifle and were all shouting excitedly that I was going to shoot the elephant … I had no intention of shooting the elephant … I did not in the least want to shoot him … But I did not want to shoot the elephant’), which show how the idea of shooting the elephant gradually becomes apparent to the young Orwell.

These repetitions also convey how powerless he feels over what is happening, even though he acknowledges it to be unjust (when the elephant no longer poses a threat to anyone) as well as financially wasteful (Orwell also draws attention to the pragmatic fact that the elephant while alive is worth around a hundred pounds, whereas his tusks would only fetch around five pounds).

But he does it anyway, in an act that is purely for show, and which goes against his own will and instinct.

Discover more about Orwell’s non-fiction with our analysis of his ‘A Hanging’ , our discussion of his essay on political language , and our thoughts on his autobiographical essay, ‘Why I Write’ .

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8 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of George Orwell’s ‘Shooting an Elephant’”

Absolutely fascinating and very though provoking. Thank you.

Thanks, Caroline! Very kind

One biographer claimed that the incident never took place and is pure fiction created to make the points you mention. Is there any proof that it actually happened ?

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Circuses – it still goes on, tragically. https://robinsaikia.org/2021/04/04/elephants-in-venice-1954/

Hmm now I make another connection here. A degree of the hypocrisy of human society. In a sense, the Burmese were ‘owned’ by their imperial masters – personified by Orwell – but the Elephant was owned by the Burmese. the Burmese hate Orwell for being the imperialist and yet they expect him to shoot their elephant who is itself forced into a role it clearly didn’t like. I know it is all very post-modernist to consider things from a non-human point of view, but there seems a very obvious mirroring here.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — George Orwell — Why ‘Shooting an Elephant’ by George Orwell is Classified as a Reflective Essay

Why 'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell is Classified as a Reflective Essay

• Categories: George Orwell

About this sample

Words: 772 |

Published: Dec 17, 2024

Words: 772 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction to the narrative, thematic depth: a personal lens on colonialism, narrative style: a blend of observation and reflection, the author’s introspective voice, a broader reflection: lessons beyond colonialism, conclusion: the enduring impact of reflective writing.

• Orwell, George. "Shooting an Elephant." In *The Complete Works of George Orwell*, edited by Peter Davison.
• Perry, David O., eds., *Imperial Encounters: Religion and Modernity in India* (2005).
• Said, Edward W., *Orientalism* (1978).
• Boeckmann I.E., “Reflections On Cultural Imperialism,” *Journal Of Postcolonial Writing* 52(2016): 29-41.
• Kipling R., *The Man Who Would Be King* (1888).

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