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Shooting An Elephant Irony

Decent Essays

In “Shooting an Elephant”, George Orwell illustrates a life-changing incident that reflects more than just “shooting an elephant.” through the narration of both his present and younger self. Orwell describes the setting of the killing of an elephant in Burma and divulges the vivid sensations that he goes through during the short, but dramatic event. Orwell demonstrates various literary techniques to convey the emotion and the situational irony of the whole scene, which ultimately leads to a satirical presentation of imperialism. Through the vivid descriptions of the spectating crowd and a direct appeal with the narrator’s pathos, Orwell succeeds in convincing the audience that imperialism not only has a negative impact on those being governed …show more content…

In those works, audiences can witness Orwell’s personal opinions on social and political views. As a passionate opponent of social injustice, Orwell expresses his disapproval for societal oppressors and political corruption. Likewise, in“Shooting an Elephant,” readers detect Orwell’s personal opinions on imperialism through the narrator’s display of emotion. Throughout the essay, the narrator expresses feelings of fear, hatred, anxiety, doubt, and distress at the fact that he is in a position of mocked authority.The narrator’s frustration could not be any more certain as he states that “As for the job [he] was doing, [he] hated it more bitterly than [he] can perhaps make clear” (Orwell, 1950). The audience becomes more aware of the narrator’s mental state and is drawn towards his emotional appeal as the essay continues. In addition, because this essay is a personal account, Orwell’s use of ideology is very prevalent to a further degree. Orwell’s description of an experience as a British policeman in a Moulmein, Burma reflects his emotions and opinions on imperialism. Orwell …show more content…

The image of a rumbling sea, tossing and turning with excitement, creates a sense of power behind the façade of the once helpless natives. Indeed, during the course of the next few scenes, Orwell feels this power as an unyielding force pressuring him to shoot the elephant. As Orwell mulls over the critical decision,he comes upon the realization that the “white man” must display strength and authority when the people demand it. Ironically, Orwell juxtaposes the role of the ever-powerful “white man”against an “absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of [the] yellow faces…” Although, he theman with the “magical gun” is technically the one with the power, Orwell feels degraded and oppressed by the natives and their will. As a puppet, Orwell equates himself to the helpless figurine that moves at the whim of the puppeteer, or in this case, the natives. Orwell utilizes this comical paradox to express the disgusting irony of the “white man’s burden.” At this point, Orwell refers to the reality of imperialism as hollow and ironic. He refers to himself as only a pawn of the game, where even pawns get influenced by the

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