Write a Note on the Death Scene of the Elephant.

Answer

Write a note on the death scene of the elephant in “Shooting an Elephant.”

Or, why did Orwell decide to shoot the elephant at last  in “Shooting an Elephant.”? 

The death scene of the elephant in George Orwell’s (1903-1950) “Shooting an Elephant” (1936) is a powerful metaphor. It symbolizes the failures and moral conflicts of imperialism. The scene vividly portrays Orwell’s reluctant decision to kill the elephant. He did it under the pressure of maintaining his authority as a British colonial officer. His actions and the prolonged suffering of the elephant reflect the oppressive and misguided nature of colonial rule.

The Symbolism of the Elephant’s Death: The elephant’s death represents imperialism’s destructive consequences. Orwell initially hesitates to shoot the animal. However, the immense crowd compels him to act against his conscience. The elephant is a valuable and harmless creature. It symbolizes Burma under British rule. Its slow and agonizing death mirrors the inefficiency and brutality of imperialism. This scene harms both the oppressors and the oppressed.

Peer Pressure and the Role of Authority: Orwell decides to shoot the elephant. His fear of losing his reputation before the local Burmese drives this decision. He says, 

A sahib has got to act like a sahib.

This line shows the expectations of Orwell as a colonial officer. He needed to appear strong and in control. Orwell admits he fired the first shot without need. He did it because he felt pressured. He wanted to maintain the image of colonial power. This shows how imperialism values appearance over ethics.

The Suffering of the Elephant: The actual death scene of the elephant is agonizing and symbolic. Orwell shoots the elephant three times. However, the animal does not die instantly. He describes its slow collapse and painful breathing. This scene emphasizes the cruelty and futility of the act. Orwell writes, 

I fired again into the same spot. … he did not collapse but climbed with desperate slowness to its feet….

This prolonged suffering shows the failure of imperial rule. It causes harm for a long time but achieves nothing meaningful.  

The Symbolism of the Three Shots: The three shots fired by Orwell can be seen as a metaphor for the three Anglo-Burmese Wars. These wars led to the British colonization of Burma. Like the shots, the wars did not bring a quick or clean resolution. Instead, they caused prolonged suffering and oppression. They failed to bring peace or stability to the region. This comparison highlights the destructive and senseless nature of imperialism. It harms everyone involved.

Orwell’s Moral Conflict and Final Decision: Orwell’s decision to shoot the elephant reflects his internal conflict. He recognizes the elephant’s peaceful behavior. Besides, he acknowledges that killing it is unnecessary. However, his fear of looking weak in front of the crowd drives him to act. Orwell confesses, 

I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool.

This line shows how imperialism makes people give up their values. It traps rulers in a cycle of harm and guilt.

In conclusion, the death scene of the elephant is a poignant metaphor for the failures of imperialism. Orwell’s decision to shoot the elephant reflects the immense pressure of the colonial officers. Through this act, the author exposes the cruelty and inefficiency of imperialism. The scene remains a critique of the destructive nature of colonial rule.