Geore Orwell

A detailed Summary of Geore Orwell

"The True meaning behind the Killing of the Elephant"

An elephant has been shot and killed. Wt a mere act of violence or does it go beyond that? In this situation, the killing of the elephant goes far behind self-defense and security. It's taken to a personal level, which leads to difficult complications. George Orwell is overwhelmed with what is expected from him, than what he knows is morally correct. Even though he knew emotionally that it was wrong to shoot and kill the elephant; it was more important to him how others perceived him over what he though about himself.

George had very sour feelings towards the Burman's. Theoretically he was both, for and against the Burman's. He was for them because they were oppressed, and against them due to emotional experiences. "Theoretically-and secretly, of course-I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British. As for the job I was doing, I hated it more bitterly than I can perhaps make clear" (Orwell 725). He felt as if he had to portray a certain character, in order for him to feel superior to them. It was a way for him to feel accepted and to feel comfortable with his surroundings. What Orwell wasn't aware of was the fact that he was portraying

someone he really wasn't. By doing that he was lying to himself. Orwell was there representing the Britih; the last thing he would want to do is make himself look like a fool, in front of the Burmans. It would merely give them more reasons to laugh and taunt the British officers

1. Orwell, George."Shooting an Elephant." The Blair Reader,EB.

Going to another country, and having the responsibility of an officer, wasn't an easy task for Orwell. It was more like going thorough a maze with traps. Not knowing if the people want you there, and not being familiar with your surroundings. Orwell was there for a reason; he was there for the people. But it made his job more difficult knowing he disliked the people he was protecting and the empire he served. "All I knew was that I was stuck between my hatred of the empire I served and my rage against the evil-spirited little beasts who tried to make my job impossible" (Orwell 725). In order for him to feel accepted, he felt he had to impress the Burmans. Orwell used the elephant's life to prove that he was, and could be, superior to them. And that he had the power to take control. He started taking his job more personal, which reflected upon his responses to

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Approximate Word count = 814
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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