Do you think Orwell is a coward? Do you think he is a racist? Explain your feelings.
I think that George Orwell is somewhat of a coward as he decides to kill the mad elephant based solely upon avoiding to look like a fool in front of the 2,000 Burmese citizens. You may argue that Orwell had reasoning to kill the elephant because it had killed a Coolie, yet he could have just waited for the mahout (the keeper and driver of the elephant) to come back and control the elephant. Orwell actually explained that the elephant could "merely wander harmlessly about until the mahout came back and caught him". Also, at the time when Orwell shot the elephant it was "peacefully eating" and "looked no more dangerous than a cow". I would have to admit though that it would be difficult not to shoot the elephant as the Burmese would picture you as a fool.
I don't believe that Orwell is a racist even though he refers to the Burmese people as "yellow" For example he wrote "I looked at the sea of yellow faces..." Rather, even though the Burmese hate him and the British people as a whole, Orwell likes them more than the British because he is aware that the British are imperialistic and are oppressing the people of India. Although, the civilians do not know this and constantly harass Orwell because, as a policeman, he is an easy target.
I think that George Orwell is somewhat of a coward as he decides to kill the mad elephant based solely upon avoiding to look like a fool in front of the 2,000 Burmese citizens. You may argue that Orwell had reasoning to kill the elephant because it had killed a Coolie, yet he could have just waited for the mahout (the keeper and driver of the elephant) to come back and control the elephant. Orwell actually explained that the elephant could "merely wander harmlessly about until the mahout came back and caught him". Also, at the time when Orwell shot the elephant it was "peacefully eating" and "looked no more dangerous than a cow". I would have to admit though that it would be difficult not to shoot the elephant as the Burmese would picture you as a fool.
I don't believe that Orwell is a racist even though he refers to the Burmese people as "yellow" For example he wrote "I looked at the sea of yellow faces..." Rather, even though the Burmese hate him and the British people as a whole, Orwell likes them more than the British because he is aware that the British are imperialistic and are oppressing the people of India. Although, the civilians do not know this and constantly harass Orwell because, as a policeman, he is an easy target.
Nice job Hank.
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