SHOOTING AN ELEPHANT George Orwell pseudonym of Eri Arthur Blair English essayist and novelist was born in Bengal and educated ...
SHOOTING AN ELEPHANT
George Orwell pseudonym of Eri Arthur Blair English essayist and novelist was born in Bengal and educated in England. Orwell’s “Shooting An Elephant” reveals not only the physical courage of young Orwell but it also brings out his moral courage in admitting his helplessness. He states very clearly that he had to suppress his conscience at the altar of British imperialism. He is also the author of a large number of essays.
Once George Orwell was serving as a sub-divisional Police officer in Burma. Early one morning the Police Inspector told him on phone that an elephant was ravaging the bazaar. He requested Orwell to come and do something. Orwell came to know that it was not a wild elephant but a tame one, which had gone “must”. Only the Mahout could control it. But he lost his way in pursuing the animal. It had already destroyed a hut, killed a cow and raided a fruit stall.
In the meanwhile, he got an elephant rifle from a friend. It was only to defend himself if necessary. He never wanted to shoot the elephant. Now a large crowd followed him. They expected him to shoot it down. It was a bit of fun for them. Moreover, they wanted the meat. However, he had to impress the natives. In every crisis, he had to do what the natives expected of him. A sahib has to act like a sahib. Therefore, he had no choice but to shoot it. Otherwise, the crowd would laugh at him. This an Englishman should avoid at all costs. Orwell asked the people about the behavior of the elephant. The two thousand strong crowd looked at his as bit of fun. They would laugh him. They waited there to enjoy the meat of the animal. They said that it took no notice of the people if left alone. However, it might attack if one went close to it. Therefore, Orwell decided to walk up to the elephant and watch its behavior. However, if he had to leave the animal alone, the natives might take him for a coward. He must not be frightened before the natives. Therefore, he decided to shoot down the animal. He took the aim and fired the rifle. Soon he heard a devilish roar of joy from the large crowd. A second shot paralyzed him. In addition, the third one killed the elephant.
Thus much against his wish, Orwell shot down the elephant to save his imperialistic ego.
