Comparing "Death Men's Path" and "Shooting an Elephant"

This page compares themes in Chinua Achebe's "Death Men's Path" and George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant", highlighting their shared critique of colonialism.

Common Themes:

1. Impact of colonialism on native populations
2. Destruction of traditional cultures
3. Forced assimilation to Western culture and beliefs
4. Psychological effects on colonizers

Highlight: Both stories demonstrate how colonialism had profound and lasting impacts on both the colonized and the colonizers.

In "Death Men's Path", a young, Western-educated Nigerian headmaster clashes with local traditions when he blocks a sacred path running through his school compound. This action leads to conflict and ultimately, destruction.

Example: The headmaster's dismissal of local beliefs represents the broader colonial attitude of superiority over indigenous cultures.

"Shooting an Elephant" similarly explores the tension between colonial authority and local customs, with the narrator forced to act against his better judgment to maintain the illusion of imperial control.

Both stories illustrate how colonialism created impossible situations for individuals caught between different cultural worlds, often leading to tragic consequences.

Quote: From "Death Men's Path": "The big men in the clan have decided to close down your school. They don't want our children to be spoiled by your new teaching."

This comparison underscores the universal themes of cultural conflict and the destructive nature of colonialism across different African and Asian contexts.

Connectives in English

This page details various connective words and phrases used in English writing, organized by function.

Example: Categories include:

• Listing/order
• Comparison/similarity
• Exemplification
• Alternative
• Reformulation

The British Empire: A Global Powerhouse

The British Empire was the dominant colonial power in world history, exerting control over vast territories across the globe. This page provides a brief overview of the empire's rise and key milestones in its development.

The empire's growth was closely tied to Britain's economic and industrial expansion. The Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century fueled the need for raw materials and new markets, driving colonial expansion.

Highlight: The British Empire reached its territorial peak in the early 20th century, covering approximately 25% of the world's land surface and ruling over 23% of the world's population.

Key events in the British Empire timeline include:

1. 1750: Economic boom and Industrial Revolution begin
2. 1789: Independence of the American Colonies
3. 1801: Foundation of the Colonial Office in London
4. 1807: Britain abolishes the slave trade
5. 1858: India is put under direct control of Westminster
6. 1876: Queen Victoria becomes Empress of India

Vocabulary: Commonwealth - A voluntary association of independent countries, many of which were former British colonies or dependencies.

The empire facilitated a complex network of trade, with different regions specializing in various commodities. North America provided whale oil, lumber, and furs, while the Caribbean supplied sugar and molasses. Africa contributed ivory and spices, and manufactured goods flowed from Britain to its colonies.

Example: The triangular trade route connected Britain, Africa, and the Americas, with slaves being transported from Africa to the Americas, raw materials from the Americas to Britain, and manufactured goods from Britain to Africa.