Shooting an Elephant

Despite his discomfort in being part of the imperial system, Orwell makes no attempt to disrupt the imperialist agenda. How does the imperial system work to create division among the British colonists and the indigenous people? What purpose does this division serve? How does this division relate to the themes of Power and Worth?

Teaching Suggestion: You might lead into this discussion by first discussing where students see imbalances of power in their own lives, historically, or in current events. Students will likely discuss economic, racial, gendered, and other common causes for imbalances of power, which can act as a segue to the imbalance of power created by imperialism.