The Impact of Colonial Rule on Burma

This page examines the specific effects of British colonial rule in Burma, as depicted in George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" and supported by historical context.

Key Aspects of British Rule in Burma:

1. Economic exploitation
2. Cultural suppression
3. Political domination
4. Social stratification

Vocabulary: Pax Britannica - The period of relative peace in Europe and the world (1815–1914) during which the British Empire controlled most of the key naval trade routes and enjoyed unchallenged sea power.

Economic Impact:

• Extraction of natural resources (timber, oil, minerals)
• Transformation of agriculture for export crops
• Development of infrastructure primarily to serve British interests

Example: The British introduced large-scale rice cultivation in the Irrawaddy Delta, turning Burma into the world's largest rice exporter but also disrupting traditional farming practices.

Cultural and Social Effects:

• Imposition of English language and Western education
• Marginalization of Buddhist institutions
• Creation of a new urban elite class aligned with British interests

Highlight: The story's narrator represents the conflicted position of many British officials who recognized the injustices of colonial rule but were bound by their roles to perpetuate the system.

Political Consequences:

• Dismantling of traditional Burmese monarchy
• Implementation of British administrative and legal systems
• Growth of Burmese nationalism and anti-colonial movements

The legacy of British rule in Burma (now Myanmar) continues to influence the country's development and political landscape to this day.

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.

The Elephant as a Symbol of Empire

This page delves deeper into the symbolism of the elephant in George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant", drawing parallels between the animal and the British Empire.

Characteristics of the Elephant:

1. Valuable to its owner
2. Huge and strong
3. Hard to control
4. Usually calm and peaceful
5. Can be unpredictable and destructive
6. Takes a long time to die

Example: Just as the elephant is valuable to its owner, colonies were valuable to the British Empire for their resources and strategic importance.

Parallels with the British Empire:

• Superior military power (elephant's strength)
• Difficult for native populations to resist (hard to control)
• Established systems of law, trade, and infrastructure (valuable aspects)
• Could become aggressive and destructive (wars, oppression)
• Long-lasting impact even after decline (slow death)

Highlight: The local population's desire to see the elephant dead mirrors the growing push for independence in many British colonies.

The story's depiction of the elephant's long, painful death serves as a metaphor for the prolonged decline of the British Empire, which took decades to fully unravel despite growing resistance and independence movements.