Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in "Shooting An Elephant"
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Shooting an Elephant By George Orwell
Lesson Plans by Kristy Littlehale
”Shooting An Elephant” by George Orwell is a seemingly biographical account of Orwell (real name Eric Blair) and his experience as a Burmese police officer in the British Indian colony.
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Storyboard Description
Shooting An Elephant Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Storyboard Text
- SYMBOLS
- THE ELEPHANT
- THE CROWD
- The elephant is a symbol of the people oppressed by British Imperialism. The elephant is chained up but breaks free, and follows its natural behavior. When it has expended its energies and revenge, it is peaceful. However, despite its calm and peaceful demeanor, it is punished not because of its sins, but because of the arbitrary ideals of the man holding the rifle, who is desperately trying to hold on to his semblance of power- much like the despotic government.
- The Burmans aren't just spectators to the scene; they are a catalyst for the narrator’s decision to take action against the elephant. The narrator knows that if he stands in front of the elephant and it doesn’t charge, then the it is over its rage, but to simply walk away from the crowd without doing anything would make him look stupid. The crowd’s expectations challenge the narrator’s ego and authority, and causes him to violate his conscience.
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