In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell's act of killing the elephant reflects his conflicted attitude toward British Imperialism. On one hand, his initial hesitation and discomfort with shooting the elephant could symbolize his reluctance to uphold the oppressive colonial system. However, his ultimate decision to shoot the elephant to maintain his authority and avoid appearing weak suggests a resigned acceptance of the imperialistic power dynamics at play. Overall, Orwell's experience highlights the dehumanizing effects of imperialism on both the colonizers and the colonized.
