Read The Excerpt. In Lower Burma, I Was Hated By Large Numbers Of People.... I Was Subdivisional Police Officer Of The Town, And ... Anti-European Feeling Was Very Bitter.In Shooting An Elephant By George Orwell, How Do The Burmese View The...

The Complex Relationship Between the Burmese and the European in "Shooting an Elephant"

Introduction

In George Orwell's iconic short story "Shooting an Elephant," the author delves into the complexities of colonialism and the intricate relationships between the Burmese and the European colonizers. The story is set in a small town in Burma, where Orwell, who was a police officer at the time, is faced with a moral dilemma that ultimately leads to the tragic shooting of an elephant. In this article, we will explore how the Burmese view the European colonizers, as depicted in the story.

The Anti-European Feeling in Burma

The excerpt from "Shooting an Elephant" sets the tone for the complex and often tense relationship between the Burmese and the European colonizers. Orwell writes, "In lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people... I was subdivisional police officer of the town, and... anti-European feeling was very bitter." This passage highlights the deep-seated resentment and anger that many Burmese felt towards the European colonizers, who were seen as oppressive and exploitative.

The Burmese Perception of the European

The Burmese viewed the European colonizers as outsiders who were imposing their will on the local population. They saw the Europeans as arrogant, condescending, and dismissive of their culture and traditions. The Burmese felt that the Europeans were more interested in exploiting the country's resources and imposing their own values and customs on the local population, rather than understanding and respecting the local way of life.

The Role of the Police in Maintaining Colonial Rule

As a police officer, Orwell was a symbol of colonial authority and was often seen as a representative of the oppressive colonial regime. The Burmese viewed the police as a tool of oppression, who were responsible for maintaining the colonial order and suppressing any form of dissent or resistance. The police were seen as a threat to the local population, and many Burmese saw them as a symbol of the colonial power that was imposing its will on the country.

The Shooting of the Elephant: A Symbol of Colonial Oppression

The shooting of the elephant in the story is a powerful symbol of colonial oppression and the complex relationships between the Burmese and the European colonizers. The elephant, which had been tied to a pole, was a symbol of the local population's struggle for freedom and independence. The shooting of the elephant was a brutal and senseless act that was carried out by Orwell, who was under pressure from the colonial authorities to maintain order and suppress any form of dissent.

The Psychological Impact of Colonialism on the European Colonizers

The story also highlights the psychological impact of colonialism on the European colonizers. Orwell, who was a complex and conflicted character, was struggling with his own feelings of guilt and shame about his role in maintaining colonial rule. He was torn between his loyalty to the colonial authorities and his growing sense of empathy and understanding for the local population. The shooting of the elephant was a turning point for Orwell, who began to question the morality of colonialism and the impact it had on both the local population and the European colonizers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Burmese view of the European colonizers in "Shooting an Elephant" is complex and multifaceted. The Burmese saw the Europeans as outsiders who were imposing their will on the local population, and viewed them as arrogant, condescending, and dismissive of their culture and traditions. The police, who were seen as a tool of oppression, were a symbol of the colonial power that was imposing its will on the country. The shooting of the elephant was a powerful symbol of colonial oppression and the complex relationships between the Burmese and the European colonizers. The story highlights the psychological impact of colonialism on the European colonizers and raises important questions about the morality of colonialism and its impact on both the local population and the European colonizers.

The Legacy of Colonialism

The legacy of colonialism continues to be felt today, with many countries still grappling with the impact of colonialism on their cultures, economies, and societies. The story of "Shooting an Elephant" serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often fraught relationships between colonizers and the colonized, and highlights the need for greater understanding, empathy, and respect for the cultures and traditions of other societies.

The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity

The story also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations. The Burmese view of the European colonizers was shaped by their cultural and historical experiences, and was influenced by their perceptions of the Europeans as outsiders who were imposing their will on the local population. This highlights the need for greater cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations, and the importance of respecting the cultures and traditions of other societies.

The Role of Literature in Shaping Our Understanding of the World

Literature has the power to shape our understanding of the world and to challenge our assumptions and biases. "Shooting an Elephant" is a powerful example of how literature can be used to explore complex social and political issues, and to raise important questions about the morality of colonialism and its impact on both the local population and the European colonizers. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations, and highlights the need for greater empathy and respect for the cultures and traditions of other societies.
Q&A: Unpacking the Complexities of Colonialism in "Shooting an Elephant"

Introduction

George Orwell's iconic short story "Shooting an Elephant" is a powerful exploration of colonialism, imperialism, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is set in a small town in Burma, where Orwell, who was a police officer at the time, is faced with a moral dilemma that ultimately leads to the tragic shooting of an elephant. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the themes and complexities of the story, and explore the questions that arise from Orwell's powerful and thought-provoking narrative.

Q: What is the main theme of "Shooting an Elephant"?

A: The main theme of "Shooting an Elephant" is the complexities of colonialism and the impact it has on both the colonizers and the colonized. The story explores the tensions and contradictions that arise from the imposition of one culture on another, and the ways in which this can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and moral ambiguity.

Q: Why did Orwell shoot the elephant?

A: Orwell shot the elephant because he felt pressure from the colonial authorities to maintain order and suppress any form of dissent. He was also motivated by a desire to prove himself as a capable and effective police officer, and to demonstrate his loyalty to the colonial regime.

Q: What does the elephant represent in the story?

A: The elephant represents the local population's struggle for freedom and independence. It is a symbol of the power and majesty of nature, and a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.

Q: How does the story portray the relationship between the Burmese and the European colonizers?

A: The story portrays the relationship between the Burmese and the European colonizers as complex and multifaceted. The Burmese are depicted as being resentful and angry towards the European colonizers, who are seen as arrogant, condescending, and dismissive of their culture and traditions.

Q: What is the significance of the police in the story?

A: The police are a symbol of colonial authority and are seen as a tool of oppression. They are responsible for maintaining the colonial order and suppressing any form of dissent or resistance.

Q: How does the story explore the psychological impact of colonialism on the European colonizers?

A: The story explores the psychological impact of colonialism on the European colonizers by depicting Orwell's growing sense of guilt and shame about his role in maintaining colonial rule. He is torn between his loyalty to the colonial authorities and his growing sense of empathy and understanding for the local population.

Q: What message do you think Orwell is trying to convey through the story?

A: Orwell is trying to convey the message that colonialism is a complex and multifaceted issue that has a profound impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. He is highlighting the need for greater understanding, empathy, and respect for the cultures and traditions of other societies, and the importance of recognizing the humanity and dignity of all people.

Q: How does the story relate to contemporary issues of colonialism and imperialism?

A: The story relates to contemporary issues of colonialism and imperialism by highlighting the ongoing impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater understanding, empathy, and respect for the cultures and traditions of other societies, and the importance of recognizing the humanity and dignity of all people.

Q: What can readers take away from the story?

A: Readers can take away from the story a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonialism and the impact it has on both the colonizers and the colonized. They can also gain a greater appreciation for the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations, and the need to recognize the humanity and dignity of all people.