“Shooting an Elephant” Vocabulary
In your small group, fill out the 2 bullet points beneath each key term with (1) a definition and (2) a description
of the word’s importance to Orwell’s piece as a whole. [Note: this is one of the few times I will encourage you
to use your phone in class – for dictionary purposes!]
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betel juice (146)
o
o
in saecula saeculorum (146)
o
o
prostrate peoples (147)
o
o
coolie: Darvidian coolie (147) and Coringhee coolie (150)
o
o
sahib (148)
o
o
Other vocab word: __________________ ( p ____)
“Shooting an Elephant” Content/Story Line
In your small group, discuss and record responses to the following questions that seek to determine the content
and story line of the text. Bullet point explanations are fine.

What is Orwell’s position in Burma? What has he been called on to do, and why?

Describe the events that unravel with Orwell, the elephant and the community of locals.

Although this story recounts a specific episode or event of Orwell’s life, a large part of the text is
devoted to Orwell’s opinions and feelings towards imperialism. What affect do large sections of
emotional and philosophical descriptions have on the story line itself?

Other observations about the story line or its unfolding?
“Shooting an Elephant” Literal & Figurative Language
In your small group, discuss and record responses to the following questions that seek to uncover the figurative
meaning of literal language. Bullet point explanations are fine.

Why does Orwell put “natives” in quotes? (bottom of p 148, middle of p 149) Why doesn’t he put
yellow faces in quotation marks? (bottom of p 148, middle of p 149) What does this coloring
represent in Orwell’s mind?

What could the elephant symbolize? Take into the account the description of his slow death on p 150.
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What might Orwell’s rifle represent? Notice the description of its ability on p 147 & p 150.
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Other instance of rich language and its dual meanings?
“Shooting an Elephant” Author’s Position & Perspective
In your small group, discuss and record responses to the following questions that seek to determine the
author’s position and perspective on imperialism. Bullet point explanations are fine.

Describe Orwell’s initial feelings about imperialism as revealed on p 146, mentioning his associations
with “guilt,” “bitterness,” and “evil.”

What does Orwell see as his specific role in British imperialism?

Look at the thought processes of the author on p 148 and 150. How do these differing views represent
a shift in the author’s position?

Other thoughts on the author’s perspective or position on imperialism?
“Shooting an Elephant” Partner quiz [15pts]
Names ________________________________
Write 3 sentences (max!) per question. Include a quote with page # reference in at least one answer.
1. Give and explain one example of the British influence or presence in Burmese life and culture.
(Examples: living conditions, interactions, possessions, etc.) [5pts]
2. Briefly explain how the narrator feels about imperialism. [5pts]
3. How might the elephant represent the larger tensions in place? [5pts]
Student Reflection: Place a number 1 through 5 on the lines provided to answer the questions below.
1= NOT helpful at all, 3= somewhat helpful, 5= extremely helpful
A. I found the group work ______ in increasing my understanding of the text.
B. I found the group work ______ in increasing my contributions to & performance on the partner quiz.