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Shooting an elephant rhetorical analysis - Papers Online

Shooting an elephant rhetorical analysis

In a short excerpt of “Shooting an Elephant”, George Orwell skillfully portrays his revelation towards imperialism and the new mindset he sets for the effects of imperialism on people just like him. In this excerpt, Orwell looks about at the “immense crowd, two thousand at the least” and describes it as a “sea” that the crowd represents, symbolizing the crushing and overwhelming power of the sea. The crowd was a force “happy and excited over [a] bit of fun” a result from the imperialistic rule of the British for so long. Orwell transforms into a “conjurer” with a “magic rifle”, all set for the entertainment for the crowd. The tone turns for the negative as Orwell becomes an “actor” and a ...

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ironically subjugating himself to the will of the people. Orwell assumes the mask of a “sahib” through the authoritative position he is in, arguing that even in a position of power, the ruler exists only to please his people. Therefore, though he may be in the seat of power in physical terms, mentally the people control the ruler by pressuring what they require to be a happy and peaceful people. The ruler exists to please his subjects. This paradox of remaining in power yet not having the power is Orwell’s epiphany; a stunning revelation that leaves him hopeless and dejected. Consulting this eye-opener, the author admits that his “whole life and every other white man’s life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at”, and imperialism has put himself and others into these kinds of situations. Imperialism was a might that controlled many countries, yet these systems led men, like Orwell, to develop a fear of judgment from men and the distaste of the suppressing power ...

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Shooting an elephant rhetorical analysis. (2011, April 18). Retrieved January 16, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Shooting-an-elephant-rhetorical-analysis/98175

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 4/18/2011 10:31:27 PM
Submitted By: xjhan94
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 378
Pages: 2

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