Page 2: Character Analysis and Situational Dynamics
This page delves deeper into the narrator's situation and the reactions of those around him in "Shooting an Elephant". It explores the complex dynamics between the British officer and the Burmese people, highlighting the tensions and expectations that drive the narrative.
The narrator's situation is described in detail, emphasizing his conflicted position as a representative of British colonial power who is disliked by the local population.
Highlight: The narrator is caught in an inner conflict regarding his deployment in Burma, recognizing the evils of imperialism while being forced to uphold it.
The page outlines the narrator's thoughts and feelings, revealing his anti-imperialist beliefs and his secret support for the Burmese people against British oppression. This internal struggle is central to the essay's exploration of the moral complexities of colonialism.
Quote: "When the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys"
This powerful quote encapsulates the essay's theme of how imperialism corrupts and constrains not only the colonized but also the colonizers.
The reactions of other people in the story are also described, showing the complex web of expectations and judgments that influence the narrator's actions. The Burmese people's excitement at the prospect of seeing the elephant shot contrasts sharply with the narrator's reluctance, highlighting the pressures he faces.
Example: The narrator shoots the elephant to avoid looking foolish, illustrating how the expectations of others can override personal moral judgments in a colonial context.
The page concludes with vivid descriptions of the living conditions of the Burmese people, emphasizing the poverty and helplessness that result from colonial rule.
Vocabulary: Imperialism - The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
These details provide a stark backdrop to the central incident of the elephant shooting, reinforcing Orwell's critique of the British Empire and its impact on colonized peoples.
