George Orwell
Shooting an Elephant
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"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell is a thought-provoking essay that explores themes of imperialism, moral dilemma, and the pressures of conformity. In this powerful piece, Orwell reflects on the burdensome role he had as a colonial police officer in Burma, stating, "I had already made up my mind that imperialism was an evil thing." We are shown the internal conflict faced by Orwell as he grapples with his own convictions and the expectations placed upon him by his position of authority. Through his vivid and introspective storytelling, Orwell sheds light on the complexities of power dynamics and the moral compromises individuals make in oppressive systems. "Shooting an Elephant" serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of unchecked authority and the urgent need for personal integrity in the face of injustice.
Publisher: Literal
Language: English
Categories: HMH, Short Story  • 1210L - 1400L
Published: 1936
Age Rating: Unavailable
Lexile level: 1305
In-book translation: Available

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