George Orwell - Shooting an Elephant

Shooting an Elephant is a riveting essay by George Orwell, published in 1936. It efficaciously

navigates the ideas of colonialism, animal symbolism and the intricate interplay of power
dynamics. Orwell’s thesis, “when a white man becomes a tyrant, it is his own freedom that he
loses”, underscores a poignant observation on the deleterious essence of power. Although the
essay adeptly dissects the harrowing psychological and social implications of imperial rule, it
incites contemplation over the synchronous dehumanization endured both by the subjugated and
the subjugator.

The setting is in Moulmein, Burma during the time of British Imperial Leadership in India. As a
British police officer mandated to align with imperial objectives and someone who grapples with
a staunch anti-European sentiment among the natives, the narrator nevertheless pities the
Burmese. He is sanctioned to pacify an elephant in the throes of musth, with around two
thousand enthused natives tagging along. Finding the elephant exhibiting no imminent peril, he
opts against discharging the firearm but the crowd imposes a compelling impetus to bring down
the pachyderm. Initially entangled in the tapestry of a moral quandary, he ultimately succumbs to
the multitude’s demands and pulls the trigger, chiefly to avoid looking like a fool. Incapable of
witnessing the beast’s agonizing and languorous demise, he departs the scene.

Orwell deftly articulates his personal disdain of British Imperialism, executing his job only half-
heartedly, all the while battling with the guilt that reverberates within his conscience. Metaphors
adorn each event with symbolic resonance. One notable example is the elephant's unbridled
rampage, ravaging homes and food shelves and even mercilessly trampling a man to death. It
symbolizes the destructive nature of imperialism. Also, its resistance to death, mirrors the
natives’ reluctant surrender in face of imperialism.

When Orwell compares himself to a magician about to deliver a mystifying trick, much akin to
how white men have to constantly impress the natives, he commendably suggests a nuanced
power dynamic, where technically, the oppressors themselves face the repercussions of
imperialism. One facet that is not pondered upon, is the Burmese crowd rushing towards the
carcass of the elephant in pursuit of its meat. It could be shown to signify power’s inherent
corruption, as the natives too, in quest for personal gain, are willing to impose hardship upon the
elephant.

Orwell for sure leaves food for thought with this excellent use of symbolism. The essay unravels
the downsides of imperial rule, entwined with the torment experienced even by the oppressors.