What is the Best Book Guide for shooting an elephant?
Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on George Orwell's Shooting an Elephant. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. A concise biography of George Orwell plus historical and literary context for Shooting an Elephant. A quick-reference summary: Shooting an Elephant on a single page.
What is Orwell's style in shooting an elephant?
Orwell's style in "Shooting an Elephant" is to weave together a first-person narrative with political commentary. He starts his story on a personal and somewhat satirical note: "In Moulmein, in Lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people—the only time in my life that I have been important enough for this to happen to me."
What does it mean to shoot an elephant?
“Shooting an Elephant” marks a step towards repudiating the institution of colonialism and humanizing the people who were and are oppressed by it. Moving forward, other scholars have worked to better understand the motivations and effects of colonialism.
What is the significance of Burma in shooting an elephant?
Burma—now Myanmar—was where Orwell was stationed, and was acquired by the British in 1886. In 1948, a relatively short time after “Shooting an Elephant” takes place, Burma gained its independence from Britain—an affirmation of Orwell’s observation in the story that “the British Empire is dying.”
What does the elephant symbolize in Orwell's story?
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Is Shooting an Elephant formal or informal?
"Shooting an Elephant" includes examples of both formal and non-formal writing throughout the reflective essay. In several parts of the story, Orwell uses common slang and local terminology to convey his meaning or create a personal sense in the story.
What literary devices does George Orwell use in Shooting an Elephant?
In George Orwell's “Shooting an Elephant”, the author begins with a definite statement about his views toward British Imperialism. Orwell uses pathos to appeal to the readers emotions about his situation and also uses logos when trying to decide on shooting the elephant.
What is the main theme of the essay Shooting an Elephant?
The main themes of “Shooting an Elephant” include conscience, culture clash, and order and disorder. Conscience: In the essay, colonial law contrasts with the conscience of the narrator both in his killing of the elephant and his treatment of the Burmese.
What is the narrative point of view in Shooting an Elephant?
“Shooting an Elephant” is a first-person narration which follows the point of view of the narrator – who is also the main character. Given that the author, George Orwell, also worked in Burma as a police officer, the story is probably inspired by his experiences there.
What rhetorical devices does Orwell use?
Allusion. The first literary device we will look at is allusion. ... Similes and Metaphors. Another literary device employed by Orwell is the simile. ... Irony. Irony, an expression of meaning that is deliberately contradictory to what is expected, is not only a literary device but also a central theme in 1984.
What figurative language is used in the shooting the elephant?
George Orwell uses figurative language through "Shooting an Elephant" with both simile and metaphor used.
What is the irony in Shooting an Elephant?
The story of “Shooting an Elephant” is refreshingly ironic in its critique of British colonialism. Instead of listing the cruel injustices imposed by the British colonizer on the colonized native, it critiques colonialism by revealing how colonialism ironically restrains the freedom of the colonizer.
What does the elephant symbolize?
Elephants represent many things: they're symbols of luck and prosperity, but they are also powerful beings that use their mighty strength to remove obstacles and negative forces. They also represent wisdom, long life, memory and vitality.
What is the purpose of Shooting an Elephant?
The audience in “Shooting an Elephant” is Imperial Britain and the Europeans in general. Orwell is speaking to the British population about their Imperial government and how it is ineffective, hurtful, and oppressive to all. Orwell's purpose was to show the oppressiveness of British Imperial rule.
How Shooting an Elephant is a narrative essay?
“Shooting an Elephant” is the stronger descriptive narrative because of vivid sensory detail, manipulating the perception of the reader, and Orwell's use of conflict. The vivid sensory detail of a text is the perfect way to wrap the reader's senses around the story.
Is a first person point of view?
First Person Point of View In first-person narration, the narrator is a person in the story, telling the story from their own point of view. The narration usually utilizes the pronoun I (or we, if the narrator is speaking as part of a group).
How is Orwell affected by the death of the elephant?
Orwell has mixed feelings after he kills the elephant. He feels wrong for killing the elephant because he feels that there could have been a more peaceful solution and killing it will bring more harm than good. He also feels that he killed it just because of his own pride.
What is the irony in shooting an elephant?
The story of “Shooting an Elephant” is refreshingly ironic in its critique of British colonialism. Instead of listing the cruel injustices imposed by the British colonizer on the colonized native, it critiques colonialism by revealing how colonialism ironically restrains the freedom of the colonizer.
What is the elephant in shooting an elephant a metaphor for?
Because the locals expect him to do the job, he does so against his better judgment, his anguish increased by the elephant's slow and painful death. The story is regarded as a metaphor for colonialism as a whole, and for Orwell's view that "when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys."
Are literary devices?
Literary devices are specific techniques that allow a writer to convey a deeper meaning that goes beyond what's on the page. Literary devices work alongside plot and characters to elevate a story and prompt reflection on life, society, and what it means to be human.
Why is it ironic when in the second paragraph Orwell writes theoretically and secretly of course I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors the British?
the irony in paragraph 2 is that although Orwell hated his own country, yet he also hated the natives but expresses his joy from them. this shows his mixed emotions.
George Orwell Writing Styles in Shooting an Elephant
Point of View. In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell employs a casually assumed first-person point of view; what readers know of the event described in the story, they know primarily from the narrator's direct and apparently candid divulgence.
What is the point of view of the story "Shooting an Elephant"?
In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell employs a casually assumed first-person point of view; what readers know of the event described in the story, they know primarily from the narrator's direct and apparently candid divulgence . Couching the tale in the first person enables Orwell to engage in the rhythm of meditation and action without it seeming forced; because the narrator is reminiscing about the event, which occurred some time in the past, his interweaving of essayistic reflections with the main action strikes the reader as quite natural. The use of reminiscence has a further consequence, that of the splitting off of the narrator as narrator from the narrator as agent of an action. The narrator not only directly reports the impressions and thoughts that he experienced at the time of the elephant episode; he also imposes his present, removed, retrospective analysis on the impressions and thoughts of...
How many pages are there in Shooting an Elephant?
This Study Guide consists of approximately 70 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Shooting an Elephant.
What is the tone of shooting an elephant?
As such, the tone of "Shooting an Elephant" is serious and reflective. Orwell's images of the Burmese prisoners, for example, show the brutal nature of imperialism. Similarly, Orwell's description of the dying elephant is both serious and emotive. This makes Orwell's narrative style very effective: the reader finishes the story believing that imperialism truly is an evil and destructive force.
What is the purpose of the story "The Elephant"?
The purpose of this story is to expose the ugly truth about British imperialism. Orwell wants to show that imperialism not only subjugates the local population but also the British since it forces them to act in a very specific way. This is shown most clearly through Orwell himself: he is forced to shoot the elephant not because he wants to but because his position of authority demands and expects it.
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What are the two types of linguistic elements used in writing?
The art of writing employs many different types of linguistic elements in order to convey meaning, such as grammar and style . “Grammar and style are two distinct concepts in the use of language” (Curzan and Adams 56). Grammar refers “to all language constructions that conform to the systematic rules of a language and are, therefore, comprehensible to another speaker of the language” (Curzan and Adams 11). Style, generally, refers to the use of “good” English where it is “used effectively for clarity, appropriateness, and aesthetic appeal” (Curzan and Adams 38). One author, George Orwell, a British journalist, essayist, and novelist, took these a step further by introducing his own stylistic rules for writing. “A writer should never use a metaphor, …show more content…
How does Martin Luther King Jr. use rhetorical devices?
In his writing, Martin Luther King Jr. uses a few different rhetorical devices. He uses loaded words and diction to show that he is educated and professional, so people would take him seriously while living in a racist time period. He also alludes to many famous and historical sources. King uses these rhetorical devices combined with his intelligence makes his writing easy to read, while still being very informative. …
When was "Shooting an Elephant" written?
Full Title: "Shooting an Elephant". When Written: Uncertain; Orwell served as a police officer in the British Raj from 1922 to 1927. Where Written: Uncertain; Burma or England. When Published: 1936, in New Writing. Literary Period: Interwar.
What is the backdrop for shooting an elephant?
The British Empire is undeniably the dominant historical backdrop for “Shooting an Elephant.”. The empire expanded rapidly in the 19th century, and its territories spanned as far as New Zealand and India. Burma—now Myanmar—was where Orwell was stationed, and was acquired by the British in 1886.
What is the role of elephants in Burma?
Timber! In Burma, trained elephants still play a unique and vital role in the logging industry , where they are used to move heavy pieces of wood.
What is the aftermath of Orwell's killing of the elephant?
The aftermath of Orwell’s killing of the elephant illustrates the way the colonial cycle perpetuates itself. Those harmed by the violence are either silenced—like the elephant—or lack recourse—like its owner. Others, from more detached perspectives, are able to rationalize barbaric actions with legal justifications founded in the racism that underpins colonization. The crucial point of Orwell’s final observation is that, while logic can be read into colonialism from a distance, the real motivation of its savagery is simply the triumph of irrational insecurity and role-playing over ethics or human compassion.
What is the humane way Orwell killed the elephant?
There is nothing humane about Orwell’s killing of the elephant. He does not even know enough about marksmanship—or elephants—to kill the elephant painlessly. In the same way, the British empire is inhumane not out of necessity, but rather out of reactionary ignorance regarding both the land it has colonized and the pernicious way that colonization acts on both the colonized and the colonizer. Meanwhile, the Burmese’ readiness to eat the elephant underscores the desperation of their situation, and the way in which colonial oppression has made them focus on survival rather than moral outrage at the elephant’s brutal death.
What would Orwell do if the elephant maimed him?
Orwell decides that the best way to handle the situation would be to approach the elephant to test its temperament and only harm the animal if it behaved aggressively. However, to do this would endanger Orwell, and worse still, he would look like an idiot if the elephant maimed him in front of the natives.
Why did Orwell run into the elephant?
Orwell is able to better understand imperialism through his run-in with the elephant because the elephant serves as a symbol of colonialism. For example, much like the Burmese who have been colonized and who abuse Orwell, the elephant has been provoked to destructive behavior by being oppressed.
What is the point of Orwell's final observation?
The crucial point of Orwell’s final observation is that, while logic can be read into colonialism from a distance, the real motivation of its savagery is simply the triumph of irrational insecurity and role-playing over ethics or human compassion. Sobel, Ben. "Shooting an Elephant “Shooting an Elephant”.". LitCharts.
Why does Orwell say that elephants are peaceful?
Because it is both a harmless animal and a valuable piece of property, it is clear that there is no ethical or practical reason to hurt the elephant.
What is the elephant's distress?
The description of the elephant’s physical distress is excruciating, and Orwell clearly intends to emphasize the barbarity of his decision and actions. It is particularly notable that the elephant appears to be at its most magnificent just as it falls. This illustrates that at the elephant’s moment of bodily defeat, it only becomes a more powerful symbol of the irrational savagery of colonialism.
What is the significance of shooting an elephant?
The elephant's death is even a symbol in the story. The narrator of the story becomes a symbol in more than one way. He symbolizes the British rule but he also symbolizes the Burmese people. The symbolism in "Shooting an Elephant" is powerful because it deals with real people and matters of life and death. Through symbolism, Orwell demonstrates the danger that exists in one group of people attempting to rule over another with the intention that the rule will be better for those under rule. The narrator's conflicting emotions regarding shooting the elephant reflect his sentiments toward spreading imperialism. The symbolic death brings the Burmese a false sense of security. Symbolism operates in this story to inspire thought toward freedom, oppression, death, and honor. Download full
What does the narrator symbolize in the story Shooting an Elephant?
The narrator of the story becomes a symbol in more than one way. He symbolizes the British rule but he also symbolizes the Burmese people. The symbolism in "Shooting an Elephant" is powerful because it deals with real people and matters of life and death.
What is the stylistic analysis of Shooting an Elephant?
Stylistic analysis of “Shooting an Elephant” supplements its literary criticism as a political text. The essay is a ground for a rich literary exploration and relates the political scenario of that time with social reality. At the same time, a stylistic analysis of this text binds the psychological factors of the narrator through his superiority complex, dilemma, insecurity, guilt and sympathy. Some local words, two Latin phrases and numerous typical words convey the proper tone required for the comprehensibility of the narrative. The denotative and connotative meanings of words serve well the narrator’s purpose of showing the dirty work of imperialism. The ambivalence and conflict going on in the mind of the narrator are vividly portrayed through well-chosen emotive words. The derogatory words used in the text imply the prejudiced attitude of the narrator. The text’s political message and its expression are in perfect harmony. Orwell’s sentence structures are of varied length and organized in different ways. The use of complex and compound and complex- compound sentence is suggestive of the complexity of the relationship between the natives and the imperialists as well as the complexity of the narrator’s state of mind. Intelligent use of figurative language establishes the essay as an influential writing with literary value. The compactness of the narration arises from the consistency of thought, focused action and the implicit/explicit cohesive devices. The stylistic features of the text have secured its influential status in the literary cannon.
What is the narrator's job in Shooting an Elephant?
The narrator of “Shooting an Elephant”, a young English man, was working as a sub-divisional police officer in Moulmein in lower Burma (now Myanmar). He had to work there as an agent of imperialism in spite of his hatred towards it. The experience that he went through while working as a police officer in Burma was traumatic. He describes an incident of shooting an elephant which gave him an insight into the real nature of imperialism. One early morning, he was informed by the sub-inspector at a police station that an elephant was ravaging the bazaar. It was a tame elephant but had gone mad because of the attack of “must” or madness. It had killed an Indian, a black coolie. The narrator managed a rifle and five cartridges without having any intention of shooting the elephant but just to keep the situation under control. The Burmans, who had not shown much interest about the elephant ravaging their houses, quite ironically were having fun with the idea that the British police officer was going to shoot the elephant dead. The narrator was followed by an immense unnerving crowd to find the elephant. He knew with perfect certainty that he ought not to shoot him as a working elephant is like a costly piece of machinery. He also added that an elephant at a distance eating peacefully looked no more dangerous than a cow. In an epiphany he grasped the hollowness and futility of the white man’s dominion in the East. He emphatically asserts the role of the dominant ruler not to go against set decorum of power practice. Despite his unwillingness to kill the elephant, he was preoccupied by the thought of being laughed at by the natives if he failed to control the elephant. The local crowd appeared to observe the incident as curious spectators. After much hesitation, the narrator finally shot the elephant straight at the ear-hole. The bullet paralyzed it in pain. Later he shot twice more and the elephant collapsed after a long struggle but took a long time to die. Afterwards the incident became a controversial issue among the Europeans. The narrator, however, mentioned that in actuality he only shot the elephant not to look like a fool before the natives.
How does stylistic analysis help in understanding literary texts?
Stylistic analysis has always been an important aid in understanding literary texts. Stylistic knowledge enriches readers’ understanding of literary pieces and can supplement their knowledge of literary interpretation. With this view in mind, literary texts have been analyzed from linguistic point of view. The present study looks at an important political essay “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell. The text has attracted wide recognition and appreciation from the literary critics. It portrays Orwell’s anti-imperialistic view which is presented through an incident, the shooting of an elephant. The theme is presented in a fantastic way and this is evident from Orwell’s use of lexis, syntax, cohesive ties, point of view, and figures of speech. A closer look at the linguistic devices indicates that his style matches his objectives and that he has been successful in attaining his political, artistic as well as thematic aims through his elegant style.
What is stylistics in literature?
Stylistics normally refers to “the practice of using linguistics for the study of literature” (Simpson, 1993: 3). Similarly according to Short (1996), stylistics is an approach to the analysis of (literary) texts using linguistic description. It relates the linguistic features of a literary piece with its interpretation and synthesizes literary critics’ observation with the linguists’ literary intuition. Widdowson (1975) has also described stylistics as a mediating discipline between linguistics and literary criticism. In stylistics the relation of the linguistic devices in a text with the generated meanings is explored. The words and sentences of the text are examined critically and are studied in relation to its literary criticisms. Stylistic analysis helps "to foster interpretive skills and to encourage reading between the lines of what is said” (Carter, 1996: 5). Stylistics, according to Lazar (1993) has two main objectives. Firstly, it enables students to make meaningful interpretations of the text. Secondly, it expands students’ knowledge and awareness of the language in general.
What does the elephant symbolize in Orwell's story?
Orwell describes the massive creature's death in the following way: "He was dying, very slowly and in great agony, but in some world remote from me where not even a bullet could damage him further." In some ways, the elephant represents the end of the British empire, a large and unwieldy institution that is dying a slow death. Orwell's story makes a good tale that holds deeper reflections about the British empire.
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