SHOOTING AN ELEPHANTBY GEORGE ORWELL

IMPERIALISMim·pe·ri·al·ism  ( m-pîr - -l z m)n.1. The policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony – influence or control - over other nations.2. The system, policies, or practices of such a government.____________________________________________Imperialism is based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involve the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another.

SHOOTING AN ELEPHANTThe essay describes the experience of the English narrator - possibly Orwell himself - called upon to shoot an aggressive elephant while working as a police officer in Burma. Because the locals expect him to do the job, he does so against his better judgment, his anguish increased by the elephant's slow and painful death. The story is regarded as a metaphor for British imperialism, and for Orwell's view that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys.

SKETCHING THROUGH TEXTSketching through Text is a reading strategy designed to help readers focus on and understand a difficult reading. It requires students to draw their thinking often in the margin of the text they are attempting to read. It should be understood that no one is grading you on your art and it is purely there to help you recall what occurred in the reading and understand what you have read. The idea is to SPEEDILY sketch a visual representation of one’s response, interpretation or key questions. As you read, stop at the end of each paragraph and sketch what you find important surprising, interesting or thought provoking. This will be discussed at the end.

Jot notes Sketches

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSE1. Orwell describes the pressures he is under and he

honestly shows the reader his own mistakes. What is admirable about what he does? What is not?

2. Do you think Orwell was right to shoot the elephant? Why or why not?

3. In what ways was this “tiny incident” enlightening to Orwell? To the reader? (consider imperialism, what he did and why he did it)

4. What does the elephant symbolize? Explain your answer.

5. Is Orwell a hero? Why or why not?