IGNOU BEGE-141 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2023-24
George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant” offers insights into the life of the English people in Burma during the colonial period. Through his personal experiences and observations, Orwell provides a glimpse into the dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized, shedding light on various aspects of their lives.
1. Colonial Power Dynamics: Orwell’s essay reveals the strained relationship between the English colonial rulers and the Burmese people. He describes the sense of resentment and hostility that exists between the two groups. The English, representing the colonial power, wield authority and control over the Burmese population, creating an atmosphere of tension and subjugation.
2. Cultural Divide: The essay highlights the cultural divide between the English and the Burmese. Orwell mentions the mutual distrust and disdain between the two groups. He feels like an “absurd puppet” manipulated by the Burmese people, indicating the loss of agency and respect for the English in the eyes of the locals.
3. Anti-Imperialist Sentiments: Orwell’s internal struggle regarding his role as a colonial officer reflects broader anti-imperialist sentiments among the English in Burma. While Orwell himself is conflicted about his position, his reluctance to shoot the elephant suggests a growing awareness of the moral complexities and injustices of imperialism.
4. Burmese Resentment: The essay also exposes the resentment and resistance of the Burmese towards the English rule. The incident of the elephant serves as a metaphor for the larger struggle against colonial oppression. The Burmese crowd’s response to the elephant’s death symbolizes their desire for defiance and independence.
5. Cultural Isolation: Orwell’s portrayal of the English as a small, isolated group living in a foreign land reflects the sense of detachment and loneliness experienced by the colonizers. Despite being in a position of power, the English are estranged from the local culture and are surrounded by an atmosphere of hostility.
6. Dehumanizing Effects of Imperialism: The essay highlights the dehumanizing impact of imperialism on both the colonized and the colonizers. The English are reduced to mere tools of an oppressive system, while the Burmese are devalued and objectified by the colonial rule.
7. Clash of Ideals: The essay underscores the clash between the ideals of justice and the practicalities of colonial rule. Orwell’s moral dilemma regarding the elephant’s fate exemplifies the compromise of ethical principles that often accompanies the exercise of imperial power.
