Shooting An Elephant Analysis Essay
In this paper, the transitivity system is employed to analyze George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” in attempt to uncover the underlining imperialistic theme that occurs throughout the text, with relation towards the positionality of the narrator. In taking a linguistic approach, the paper intends to use stylistic analysis to substantiate literary interpretation. Building upon that plane, there will be illumination upon the actuality of an elephant with the symbolistic representation of imperialism as the driving superstructure. Furthermore, the linguistic form is examined in hopes to reveal the narrator’s perspective and interrelationships within the narration. Applying the system of transitivity, the text is dissected to study the grammar
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His work assumes himself as the narrator, reminiscing his days in Moulmein in lower Burma as a young English sub-divisional police officer. His record of events brings us upon this specific incident of shooting an elephant that impels realization of the acting despotic regime. The episode opens as he receives a phone call notifying of a tame elephant gone mad, as it ravages through the bazaar. As the story progresses, a rifle was sent for after stumbling upon a dead Indian, not for the purpose of shooting the elephant but merely as an instrument of defense. But soon, the act of employing a rifle stirred up the interest of the native Burmans, all excited to watch an Englishman shoot a beast. Upon setting his sights on the animal, he knew with certainty that shooting it would not be necessary: a working elephant is comparable to a costly piece of machinery. At that point of time, the elephant looked no more dangerous than a cow, peacefully eating. Within that moment is he enlightened of the futility of the white man’s dominion in the East. He understands his positionality in playing the expected role of a cog in the imperialistic machine. Despite his initial reluctance, the narrator gives in to shooting the elephant, not wanting to be laughed at by the Burmans. However, it was only after
His work assumes himself as the narrator, reminiscing his days in Moulmein in lower Burma as a young English sub-divisional police officer. His record of events brings us upon this specific incident of shooting an elephant that impels realization of the acting despotic regime. The episode opens as he receives a phone call notifying of a tame elephant gone mad, as it ravages through the bazaar. As the story progresses, a rifle was sent for after stumbling upon a dead Indian, not for the purpose of shooting the elephant but merely as an instrument of defense. But soon, the act of employing a rifle stirred up the interest of the native Burmans, all excited to watch an Englishman shoot a beast. Upon setting his sights on the animal, he knew with certainty that shooting it would not be necessary: a working elephant is comparable to a costly piece of machinery. At that point of time, the elephant looked no more dangerous than a cow, peacefully eating. Within that moment is he enlightened of the futility of the white man’s dominion in the East. He understands his positionality in playing the expected role of a cog in the imperialistic machine. Despite his initial reluctance, the narrator gives in to shooting the elephant, not wanting to be laughed at by the Burmans. However, it was only after