Vol. 3 (2) Dec. 2021

Article ID. JHSSR-1106-2021

Role of Psychological Barriers in George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant”

Nadeem Abbas

Abstract:

Eric Arthur Blaire, who wrote under the pseudonym George Orwell, was an essayist, novelist, and the most celebrated critic who addressed the hottest issues of his time including imperialism, fascism, and communism. In the story Shooting an Elephant, though he himself represents the British Empire, he shows the true mentality of the imperial forces, practicing the same sort of tyranny that existed in world history over the last few decades. The researcher, in light of Edward Said’s theory of imperialism and Peter M. Lewinsohn’s theory of mental and clinical disorders, attempted to disclose the role of psychological barriers and the ever-changing circumstances in leading the protagonist to react in a way that finally made him hate his job. Under the mounting pressure of the crowd, and due to the pressing urge of the natives, Orwell, to safeguard the honour and prestige of the Empire and, in addition to it, to avoid looking a fool, pulls the trigger and does away with the elephant.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2021.v3.n2.id1106.p225