Introduction
George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant” is a masterpiece of English literature, which has been analyzed and discussed by scholars and critics worldwide. The piece is a reflection on the author’s experiences in Burma as an imperial police officer, during which he had to kill an elephant to keep his position of authority. The work is a masterpiece since it is applicable to all aspects of life, from sociology to politics. Moreover, Orwell’s work is significant because it provides profound insights into the world order and the differences between colonial and imperial states. As a result, in the essay by George Orwell, the author offers insight into the psychological complexities of imperialism and the impact of power on the human psyche.
The Paradox of Imperialism
First, the essay explores the paradox of imperialism, where the colonizer becomes colonized. Orwell describes how he was oppressed by the Burmese people, who resented the British presence in their country. He says, “As soon as I saw the elephant, I knew with perfect certainty that I ought not to shoot him” (Orwell, 1936, para. 6).
As the author further discusses, he views it as a serious issue since it is “comparable to destroying a huge and costly piece of machinery,” and one should not consider doing so (Orwell, 1936, para. 6). This statement shows how Orwell was aware of the paradox of imperialism, where he was the oppressor. Yet, he was oppressed by the individuals he was supposed to control. At this point, the reader even sees the irony of the situation where the roles are reversed.
The Power of Authority
Orwell’s essay also explores the impact of power on the human psyche. As a colonial officer, the man had the authority to make life-and-death decisions, profoundly impacting his mental state. He describes how he felt compelled to shoot the elephant to maintain his authority, saying, “I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind. I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant, it is his own freedom that he destroys” (Orwell, 1936, para.7). This statement shows how power can corrupt even the most well-meaning individuals, as they become tyrants in their own right.
In addition, Orwell’s article might be read as a critique of how power systems persist over time. The writer illuminates the fundamental principles that enable oppressive societies to endure by exploring how individuals in control perpetuate their dominance. These ideas are still important in modern society despite the fact that the article was published almost a century ago. The themes presented by Orwell are still as urgent as ever, from the ongoing fight for racial equality to the struggle against authoritarian regimes all over the world.
Conclusion
Hence, George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant” may be found in a potent indictment of imperialism and the effects of power on the human psyche. His article explores the paradox of imperialism, where the colonizer turns into the colonized. The readers see how Orwell understood the irony of imperialism—that he was the oppressor while also being oppressed by the people he was meant to dominate. The essay also emphasizes the tremendous effect of power on the human psyche since it shows how even the most well-meaning people may turn into tyrants when granted authority. This article is still relevant today because it offers a potent critique of how imperialism and power affect the state of the human condition.
Reference
Orwell, G. (1936). Shooting an elephant. Orwell Foundation. Web.