Shooting an Elephant

Front

What does 'despotic' mean?

Back

Describing a ruler who exercises absolute power in a cruel and oppressive way.

Front

Why do the Burmese people resent the narrator in 'Shooting an Elephant'?

Back

He is a European in an official position, representing colonial authority.

Front

Define imperialism.

Back

Imperialism is when a powerful nation takes control of the economy and government of a weaker nation.

Front

What is the significance of the phrase 'two thousand wills pressing me forward' in the essay?

Back

It illustrates the immense pressure the narrator feels from the crowd to conform to their expectations.

Front

What is a 'pretext'?

Back

A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.

Front

Explain the concept of colonialism as depicted in 'Shooting an Elephant'.

Back

Colonialism involves the control and domination of one nation over another, often leading to exploitation and cultural suppression.

Front

What role does guilt play in the narrator's decision to shoot the elephant?

Back

The narrator feels guilty about his role as an oppressor and succumbs to the expectations of the local population.

Front

What does the elephant symbolize in the essay?

Back

The elephant symbolizes the burden of imperialism and the conflict between personal morals and societal expectations.

Front

How does Orwell portray the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized?

Back

Orwell depicts a complex relationship filled with resentment, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas.

Front

What is the impact of peer pressure as shown in the essay?

Back

Peer pressure compels the narrator to act against his better judgment, highlighting the influence of societal expectations.