2. Prior Knowledge
What do you know about colonialism or imperialism from
previous history classes?
Share a few ideas with your neighbor and be prepared to
discuss them with the class.
3. Background Information
“Shooting an Elephant” takes place in Burma (aka
Myanmar)
Britain started controlling the area in the mid 1800s and
didn’t give up total control until the 1940s
British rule over the area was oppressive and subjugated
the native Indian peoples- the natives started to have a
very anti-British/European perspective because of the ay
they were being treated
4. The Essay
Orwell worked in the British forces in Burma and realized
that he very much disagreed with the way the British were
running things
He believed that imperialism and colonialism were not
only hurtful to the peoples of colonized areas but ALSO to
the colonizers themselves
He said, "I had already made up my mind that imperialism
was an evil thing... I was all for the Burmese and all against
their oppressors, the British."
