The Byproduct of Colonialism: A Book Review
by Jessica Ugwoke, 17 | NewYork
Most people would agree that colonialism disadvantages the colonized. However, has the opposite effect been considered? In colonization, neither party benefits. Although one tends to suffer more than the other, its negative impacts on the colonists are often ignored. In George Orwell’s short story “Shooting an Elephant,” he takes the road less traveled. He delves into the mentality of the colonists and discusses their grievances. He examines how the perspective of each party worsens the effects of imperialism. Orwell describes the agonizing task that was killing an elephant during his time in Burma as a police officer. He goes through mental turmoil trying to decide what he should do, feeling caught between his resentment towards both the British Empire and the Burmese people. Several interconnected themes are present in the story: conscience, prejudice and tolerance, colonialism, power, principles, and performance. These sub-themes are directed towards the greater theme of the evils of colonialism and the deceptive truths
