Final Answer:
Orwell is asked to do something about the elephant because it has gone on a rampage, destroying property and killing a man, and the local Burmese people expect him to take action as the British colonial authority figure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In “Shooting an Elephant,” Orwell is asked to do something about the elephant because it has gone on a rampage, destroying property and killing a man. The local Burmese people expect him to take action as the British colonial authority figure. This places Orwell in a difficult position, as he feels pressured to act in a certain way due to the expectations of the locals and the presence of other Europeans. The incident highlights the complexities of colonialism and the power dynamics at play, as Orwell grapples with his own internal conflict while navigating the external pressures of his role as a representative of the colonial power.
Orwell’s dilemma reflects the broader themes of imperialism and oppression explored in the essay. The request for him to handle the elephant underscores the unequal power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized. Orwell’s internal struggle to reconcile his personal beliefs with his role as an agent of imperial authority sheds light on the dehumanizing effects of imperialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. The request for him to address the elephant serves as a catalyst for Orwell’s introspection and sheds light on the moral complexities inherent in colonial rule.
Orwell’s experience with being asked to handle the elephant serves as a poignant commentary on the impact of imperialism on individuals and societies. It underscores the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power within oppressive systems, shedding light on the dehumanizing effects of colonialism on both its perpetrators and its victims.