Question

Does the elephant likely symbolize the British or the Burmese? How so? Explain your answer with textual evidence.

Answer 1

The elephant in the short story can symbolize the British Empire in several ways.

Step-by-step explanation:Initially, the narrator receives word that the elephant has been terrorizing the village and destroying everything in its path. The destructive nature of the elephant can represent the British Empire's oppressive force through its imperialist conquests. Colonies like Burma suffer under the oppressive British rule, where the native citizens are marginalized and discriminated against. At the beginning of the story, the narrator mentions that he has witnessed the "dirty work of Empire" firsthand and is sickened at its treatment of the native people.

Answer 2

The elephant in the short story can symbolize the British Empire in several ways. Initially, the narrator receives word that the elephant has been terrorizing the village and destroying everything in its path. The destructive nature of the elephant can represent the British Empire's oppressive force through its imperialist conquests. Colonies like Burma suffer under the oppressive British rule, where the native citizens are marginalized and discriminated against. At the beginning of the story, the narrator mentions that he has witnessed the "dirty work of Empire" firsthand and is sickened at its treatment of the native people. Similar to British rule, the elephant proceeds to raid fruit stalls, destroy vehicles, and crush defenseless...