Orwell’s Structural Power

Orwell’s account of shooting an elephant brings up a paradoxical example of power and its influence. Orwell undeniably has all (or most) of the power because he benefits from and works within the structure of British imperialism. However, in this instance of shooting the elephant, his power, influence, and renown within this Burmese community is what turns the tables on him. Having established an identity within the community that is rooted in power and domination of the people around him, it seems they only expect him to continue this demonstration of power with the elephant. After all, “a white man mustn’t be frightened in front of ‘natives.'”

There is also an important distinction between lasting structural power, and momentary influence. It is clear that Orwell is in the position of structurally-enforced power within the community. Similarly, just because he felt pressured and forced by the Burmese people to shoot the elephant does not mean that this power has disappeared. Orwell’s superior position within the community, as well as his visual display of power (the gun), created an isolated instance in which the community’s expectations, and “intimidating” group dynamic could have influence over Orwell.

6 thoughts on “Orwell’s Structural Power

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  5. Everyone have different opinion about power. someone say power is not good for human but some people said, without power, life is nothing. But your post totally different from others.

  6. I agree with your claim that throughout the situation described in orwell’s story he is still the one with the power between he and the Burmese people. I also agree with your destination between momentary and structural power. What i would like to remark on is where you state that the story displays an “isolated instance in which the community’s expectations… could have influence over orwell.” I would argue that the power system put into play by the British empire and enforced by english expatriates is based and lives off of the communities expectations. For it is not the British empire that interact with orwell on a daily basis and have him keep up their power structure, it is the expectations of the community that are present and uphold the power structure on the front line.

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