George Orwell Imperialism

Words: 740
Pages: 3

INTRO:
The British Empire showed power of imperialism. George Orwell explains in “Shooting an Elephant” the role of imperialism which effected British Empire. Throughout the essay, Orwell claims his prospective on the British Empire and the actions taken over Burma. He experiences going against his own dilemma of humanity and giving into the mockery of the Burmese people. Orwell served as a police officer for five years. He was suffering from the high demands of authority. His character is presented as weak, the Burmese people mock him as an officer for the British. The Empire appears of strength and acting the role of being in control. The Empire was an impresser. This was the last of a bad era, the British Empire only existed for it’s name
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As for the job I was doing, I hated it more bitterly than I can perhaps make clear. In a job like that you see the dirty work of Empire at close quarters” (Orwell, pg. 244). He is torn between hatred of the British Empire and the hatred of the Burmese people. His view on the Empire shows bitterness and evil. The British held so much power that people had no freedom. Orwell stating this dilemma the country faces he considers that the Empire is destined to rule forever. Since he killed the elephant, the animal is no longer a threat to the Burma people. The metaphor represents the British Empire proving its power is failing. The Burmese people would be granted freedom from the brutal empowerment ruling the country.

CONCLUSION:
“Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell shows the British Empire dying because of imperialism. Orwell questions the way the British rules and the Burmese people. This essay captures the experience of going against one’s humanity to cost another. He is a police officer for the British Empire and is suffering from high demands from both the Burmese people and the Empire. The British Empire acts strong because it can not appear as being weak. He used the elephant that got killed as a symbol that represents the British Empire will not stand much longer with the years