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" For this reason, "Shooting an Elephant" is a bold political essay. Colonialism and imperialism were waning trends when the essay was written, but the author understood that the structures of political and economic power put in place by colonial governments were long lasting. From the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company to British Petroleum, the ravages of colonialism are felt at ever level of every society worldwide.
Poverty and political disenfranchisement cannot in all cases be traced directly to British or European colonialism. However, most cases do reveal some indirect or direct influence of colonialism on prevailing social, economic, and political oppression. Orwell's essay is also about the way colonialism damages not just the societies that are oppressed and ruled over, but the rulers too. He states, for instance, "my whole life, every...
The British or the French or the Americans might imagine themselves to be benevolent overlords that are extricating primitive systems of power and religious authority in "primitive" nations, but in fact the locals that they oppress think very little of the cultural hegemony that results. Furthermore, the shooting of the elephant in the narrative symbolizes the wanton destruction of the environment that the colonial enterprise represents and not just symbolizes. The shooting of the elephant is also a symbol of shooting oneself in the foot: destroying that which is sustaining the empire. Rather than oppress, extort, and manipulate, governments need to work together to create long lasting and sustainable relationships that are mutually beneficial.
The elephant's death is also a symbol for the slow death of Burma. Before the arrival of the empire, Burma was free but now it struggles for its last dying breaths under British rule. The meaning of this is clear because the narrator doesn't even try to hide his feelings about the monarchy at all. The British crown is abusing and killing everyone it oppresses and it wounds their
power to transcend time and culture, which is why many of the world's best stories are also the most enduring ones. Most powerful stories are also political in scope. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley warns the world about the arrogance of egotism and the dangers of selfishness and irresponsibility. In "Shooting an Elephant," George Orwell sends a message about the pitfalls of colonialism. Both of these stories are powerful because
For instance, the U.S. can use drones with the purpose of filming exact instances involving Assad's men violating human rights. Considering that "the Syrian government isn't just fighting rebels, as it claims; it is shooting unarmed protesters, and has been doing so for months" (Sniderman & Hanis), it is only safe to assume that immediate action needs to be taken in order for conditions to change. Children are dying at
This is the perfect way to end this poem. The ending is in fact effective and consistent. The entire time, the duke speaks about how it was to have his wife besides him and how much he did not agree with her behavior. He then makes an insinuation that it was him in fact that had her killed. The ending leaves the reader in a sort of shock. The lines,
So, the reader of this essay was set up by Orwell perfectly: blast away at the stinking rotting, drunken social scene in Paris, frequented in large part by Americans pretending to have talent, and mention that Miller thought this was cool to write about. Then bring in the terrible, frightening and bloody realities happening elsewhere in Europe, and you have shown what a rascal Miller was. But wait, Orwell admits
ECB�s Role in Stabilizing the Euro: Literature ReviewIntroductionIn 1999, the European Central Bank (ECB) took on the role of overseeing the monetary policy for the EU to ensure a stable currency. During the nearly two decades that have passed since, the ECB has faced two significant economic crises: the first very early on its new role, and the second approximately half a decade later when the Great Economic Crisis sent