There is a stylistic analysis of "Shooting an Elephant" by Nellufar Yeasmin that brings up the topic of imperialism. The author of the article says, "Orwell uses various
literary techniques to convey the emotion and situational irony of the whole shooting scene,
which ultimately leads to a satirical presentation of imperialism. The young officer felt like a
stupid person pushed to and fro by the imposing wills of the crowd."
My question to you all is how Orwell uses satire toward imperialism. Perhaps the crowd that was following Orwell symbolizes dominating countries; countries that pressure people such as Orwell to do something they don't necessarily want to do. What other ways does Orwell use satire toward imperialism? Let me know what you guys think!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
when Orwell states that tyrants lose their freedom when they gain power, I think it symbolizes imperialism's contradictions and faults. Countries invade unknown, weak territories, believing themselves to be better and strong and more righteous, sneering at the weaker country's basic living standards like the huts made of leaves. Yet, they power through the lands with soldiers and guns, needing to protect themselves even more once they have more power.
ReplyDeleteI like this interpretation because you mentioned weapons. People invade foreign lands and feel victimized, whereas the natives do not use guns or soldiers. I interpreted as the majority vs the minority. There are few soldiers, yet many natives. "Majority rules".
DeleteYes, I agree. I think it does symbolizes imperialism's contradictions and faults.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDid I avoid the question?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMe personally i am still surprised that even though Orwell was an English soldier, he was trade to stand up for himself and have a strong ego like seen in most soldiers today that have a very strong personality. Im surprised that Orwell was able to be manipulated by the people to make him kill the elephant instead of taking charge.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but sometimes when you're under pressure you don't think. Like from Tuesday's practice test, "act first; regret later."
DeleteI see where you're coming from.
DeleteThat's a good connection Briana, I do now realize that there's some nice connections to both stories.It's always kind of ironic how one piece you'd never thought of comparing to another piece could open up this numerous possibilities of epiphanies. None the less, was "act first; regret later" really the first possible theme you got out of reading "Shooting an Elephant"
DeleteI can see what you mean by the symbolism he uses. However, could this also be irony that the tyrant doesn't have as much power as they believe they have. That just because these countries don't have weapons they can't make you do things. When in reality they could make any soldier almost bend at their command like Orwell.
ReplyDeleteI never saw it that way. I feel some people are just so intimidated by others that they are scared to stand up against them and don't realize their true potential.
DeleteI agree with Guadalupe because the irony within the story really speaks in contrast to the outward appearance of Orwell, an armed soldier, who should be in a place of power. But for him to be overwhelmed to such an extent by unarmed people just by their sheer will is pretty telling I think.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I do believe he was pressured into this they could make him do almost anything.
ReplyDelete