1a. What step did the narrator take as soon as he saw the dead man?
2a. Why did the crowd follow the narrator as he searched for the elephant? How did this make him feel?
3a. What did the narrator know as soon as he saw the elephant?
4a. Analyze the narrator's attitude toward imperialism and toward his role in the Empire. What is the narrator's judgment of imperialism? What conflicting feelings does he have toward the Burmese people as a result of the situation they are in?
5a. Evaluate the narrator's decision to shoot the elephant. Did he do the right thing? Why, or why not? Support your answer.
1b. How did this action set in motion a chain of events that led to the shooting of the elephant?
2b. Why did he feel this way?
3b. Why did he come to this conclusion?
4b. What is it about the nature of imperialism that leads him to this conclusion? How does this form of government differ from our democracy?
5b. How would the story have been different if the narrator had lain down his rifle and quit his job rather than shoot the elephant? What does the narrator mean when he says he "grasped the hollowness, the futility of the white man's dominion in the East"?
Thesis. What do you think is the main thesis of "Shooting an Elephant"? Do you think this story is an effective way to explore this thesis?
Irony. In what situations in this essay does appearance differ from reality? How does this use of irony contribute to the development of the main thesis or other statements expressed in the essay? Use the graphic organizer below as a guide for organizing your thoughts about the questions above.
1. Write for a British newspaper, the newspaper headline that might accompany the article the following day about the shooting of the elephant. Write the headline that might appear in a newspaper written and controlled by the Burmese.
2. Imagine that you are Orwell. Write an official police report of the elephant shooting incident for your superiors in the Imperial Police.
3. Write the opening paragraph of a personal essay expressing your opinion on the issue of imperialism.
Reducing Wordiness. Rewrite the following sentences. Eliminate the unnecessary words that clutter each sentence, but be sure to maintain the original meaning.
1. Having already picked up a gun, Orwell feared he had no choice but to proceed with his original intention to shoot the elephant.
2. The old, flabby, elderly elephant gradually slumped to the ground, in slow motion.
3. Many Europeans were hated by the Burmese because they were police officers.
4. Having been shot but not killed, the elephant began to roar.
5. The people of the village gathered around Orwell in a loud, clamoring mob.
A Brief History of Burma. Using library and/or Internet resources, research the history of British involvement in Burma. How and when did Great Britain first become involved in Burma, and what conflicts arose during Britain's rule there? How did British rule come to an end? What roles did religious and cultural differences play in this conflict? How is Burma (Myanmar) ruled today? Prepare a report for your class.
Research Findings on British Involvement in Burma:
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