Shooting an Elephant

Style and Technique

George Orwell's «Shooting an Elephant» is written in the essay genre and presents an autobiographical narrative where the author shares personal experiences and reflections. Orwell's style is characterized by clarity and simplicity, allowing readers to easily follow his thoughts and emotions. The language of the essay is rich in details that help create a vivid and realistic picture of the events. Orwell employs various literary devices such as irony and symbolism. Irony is evident in the situation where the author, as a representative of colonial authority, is forced to act against his will due to the crowd's pressure. The elephant symbolizes both the colonial system and the protagonist's internal conflict. The structure of the essay is linear, with a clear beginning, development, and climax, enabling the author to sequentially present his thoughts and experiences. Orwell masterfully conveys the tension and moral dilemma faced by the narrator, making the work profound and multilayered.