Power in “Shooting an Elephant”

Although the manifestations of power differ, both the British and the Burmese demonstrate power in George Orwell’s accounting of “Shooting an Elephant.” Burma was a British colony at the time, and Orwell represents British authority, so though he feels that imperialism is evil, he also feels the need to wear the mask of authority that the Burmese expect of him. As a result, the very system that empowers the British also entraps them in a code of conduct that limits British officers like Orwell to acting within their roles. Orwell sums up the dynamics between the power of the Burmese and that of the British when he says, “I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys. He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalized figure of a sahib. For it is the condition of his rule that he shall spend his life in trying to impress the “natives,” and so in every crisis he has got to do what the “natives” expect of him” (3). The British have the power to control the Burmese people’s actions, but they are able to freely use this power to act however they wish as the instruments of their power also trap them into behaving a certain way themselves. Therefore, while both parties hold a certain amount of power, no party is able to use it outside of the rules of the established system.

70 thoughts on “Power in “Shooting an Elephant”

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  9. Shooting an Elephant” masterfully explores the complexities of power and the moral dilemmas faced under imperialism, illustrating how authority can both empower and entrap those who wield it.

  10. Absolutely! “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell is such a poignant exploration of power dynamics and moral conflict. Orwell’s narrative vividly captures the internal struggle of the protagonist, an imperial officer, forced to confront the weight of his authority and the expectations of the colonial system.

    The power dynamics Orwell portrays are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there is the overt power of the imperialist regime represented by the officer, who is expected to maintain control and uphold the image of authority. On the other hand, there is the subtle yet profound powerlessness he feels as an individual caught in a system that dehumanizes both the oppressor and the oppressed.

    What strikes me most is Orwell’s ability to delve into the psychological dimensions of power. The officer’s internal conflict between his personal morals and his professional duty highlights the destructive nature of unchecked authority. It’s a stark reminder of how power, when misused or unquestioned, can lead to tragic consequences for all involved.

    Moreover, Orwell’s narrative challenges us to reflect on the nature of power and its effects on both individuals and societies. It prompts us to question the legitimacy of authority and the ethics of wielding power over others, especially in contexts where such power is built on colonial oppression.

    Overall, “Shooting an Elephant” is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the complexities of power dynamics. It remains relevant today as a compelling exploration of the personal and political consequences of authority. honda nx500 accessories

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  26. I really like your statement on how he “feels the need to wear the masks of authority” as that asserts the domination of the Burmese over Orwell. The very fact that he must wear the mask demonstrates the trap that his “authority” has given him. He cannot act out on behalf of himself in fear of being marked as a fool, but even in his passivity, he is still ridiculed and even “tripped”. Even though on paper, as you mentioned, the British have control over the Burmese, power stems from the inside. I agree with your statement that both parties hold a certain power over the other, however, I believe that the Burmese people hold the true power, as they are able to influence a police officer into doing an action he did not want to do.

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