Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell summary and analysis

 

The narrator recounts his time as a sub-divisional police officer in Moulmein, Lower Burma, where he faced hostility and anti-European sentiment from the locals. Despite his personal disdain for imperialism and his sympathy towards the Burmese, he found himself trapped between his duty to uphold British rule and the animosity directed towards him by the Burmese people.

One incident stands out as a painful illustration of the complexities of colonialism, it has on both the colonizers and the colonized. The narrator is called to deal with a rogue elephant rampaging through the bazaar. Despite reservations about shooting the elephant, the pressure from the expectant crowd of Burmese onlookers forces him to act.

As he contemplates the situation, he realizes the absurdity of the white man's dominion over the East. He feels like a puppet, performing for the amusement of the native crowd, unable to act against their expectations. Eventually, he succumbs to the pressure and shoots the elephant, despite his reluctance to do so.

The aftermath of the shooting brings about mixed reactions. The owner of the elephant is angry, but legally, the narrator's actions are justified. Among Europeans, opinions vary, with some supporting his decision while others condemn it. The narrator reflects on the irony of the situation, feeling relieved that the killing of a coolie by the elephant provided a pretext for his actions, saving him from the humiliation of appearing weak or indecisive in front of the crowd.

The story serves as a powerful commentary on the moral and psychological dilemmas faced by individuals caught up in systems of oppression and colonial rule. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of imperialism on both  the colonizers and the colonized, as well as the absurdity and cruelty inherent in the exercise of power and authority.

Through this incident, Orwell unveils the true nature of imperialism, revealing that despotic rulers are not indifferent to public perception but are instead constrained by it. He acknowledges his own fear of being laughed at, a sentiment shared by all imperial agents, as a driving force behind his actions.

Orwell's reflections extend beyond his personal experience to the broader colonial context, suggesting that the colonizer's pursuit of power ultimately leads to the loss of their own freedom. He portrays himself as a puppet manipulated by the expectations of the native crowd, illustrating the inherent power dynamic at play.

The essay's repetitive phrases underscore Orwell's sense of powerlessness and the inevitability of his actions, despite his reluctance and awareness of the injustice. Ultimately, Orwell's decision to shoot the elephant serves as a symbolic act, driven more by the need to conform to societal expectations than by his own convictions.

Critical analysis

It provides a clear representation of colonialism and imperialism, particularly focusing on the complexities of the relationship between the colonizers and the colonized. The narrator, a British police officer stationed in Burma, grapples with his role in upholding British rule while also harboring personal reservations about imperialism. Burmese population's hostility towards the narrator reflects the resentment and resistance towards British rule, while the narrator's sense of isolation and moral conflict highlights the psychological toll of enforcing colonial power.

Orwell critiques the inherent injustice and cruelty of imperialism, depicting it as a system built on oppression and exploitation. The narrator's experiences with the Burmese people and his eventual decision to shoot the elephant serve as poignant illustrations of the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas inherent in colonial governance.

The passages also examine themes of power and authority, particularly in the context of colonial hierarchy. The narrator's position as a British police officer grants him a degree of authority over the Burmese population, yet he finds himself constrained by societal expectations and pressures.

The scene involving the shooting of the elephant highlights the dynamics of power and control, as the narrator feels compelled to act in accordance with the expectations of the Burmese crowd. His internal struggle reflects the tension between individual agency and societal norms, illustrating the ways in which colonial structures perpetuate power imbalances and shape behavior.

Orwell presents the reader with ethical dilemmas that arise from the intersection of personal morality and institutional responsibility. The narrator's reluctance to shoot the elephant stems from his empathy towards the wounded animal and his recognition of its inherent value, yet he ultimately succumbs to societal pressure and commits the act.

The shooting of the elephant serves as a metaphor for the moral compromises and injustices inherent in colonial governance. Orwell critiques the dehumanizing effects of colonial violence and the ways in which individuals are coerced into participating in systems of oppression against their own conscience.