Shooting an Elephant
Who is the author?
George Orwell
Who is the author?
D.H. Lawrence
Who is the author?
Siegfried Sassoon
World War l
What is Orwell's role in the short story?
Orwell is a sub-divisional police officer in Lower Burma, enforcing British coloniazation
How does Lawrence describe the snake to be perceived as innocent/harmless?
Lawrence describes the snake having slow and deliberate movements showing it's peaceful and harmless nature.
What two things does Sassoon contrast in his poem?
Sassoon contrasts the brutal reality of war with soldiers dreams of a normal life
What recurring theme in these pieces is influenced by World War l?
Internal/psychological conflict
Why did Orwell shoot the elephant? Give a detailed response.
Orwell shot the elephant due to a great amount of pressure (specifically a group of 2,000 citizens) and because he felt that it was necessary in order to maintain control
How does the author's initial reaction towards the snake shift throughout the poem? And what causes this shift?
At first Lawrence admires the snakes presence and beauty however as the poem progresses he feels pressured to harm it because of societal conditions
Based on Sassoon's writing, how are soldiers described?
Soldiers are described as ordinary men who despite being soldiers long for simple pleasures like a home and family
After reading these pieces what themes stand out as crucial to the Modern Era?
Disillusionment, isolation, individual perspective, questioning authority, opposition to traditional values, internal conflict
What does Orwell's regret over shooting the elephant present about the theme of imperialism?
How imperialism does not only harm those being oppressed but also the oppressors
After throwing the log at the snake against his instincts, how does Lawrence feel and what internal conflict does this action present?
Lawrence feels guilty and deep regret highlighting the struggles between personal beliefs and cultural conditioning
What hidden message did Sasson present through "Dreamers"?
"Dreamers" challenged the "glorified" image of soldiers, highlighting their humanity and suffering. It opened the eyes of many to war's emotional toll and critiqued the way society romanticizes war.
What key themes are shown throughout the short story?
Disillusionment with imperialism, physiological conflict, guilt, power, control
What underlying themes are presented throughout the poem?
Psychological conflict (Man vs. Self), Nature and Instinct, societal norms vs. individual beliefs
What prominent themes are shown throughout the poem?
Disillusionment with war, physiological impact, critique of society