Shooting an Elephant Summary

Orwell is stationed in Moulmein, Lower Burma, and serves as a sub-divisional police officer. Anti-British sentiment is pervasive and Orwell is generally hated because of his position as an officer. Orwell likewise detests his job and finds imperialism to be untenable. One day an elephant goes wild in the town where Orwell is stationed, ravaging buildings and destroying property. The elephant's mahout is miles away and will not arrive on the scene for hours; therefore, Orwell, as the local police presence, is called upon to do something. He considers his duty weapon - a small-bore rifle - and leaves it behind as useless. He travels the town and tours the area where the elephant has rampaged, not seeing much destruction and not locating the elephant. Then he discovers the corpse of a local man who has clearly been killed...