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Shooting an Elephant

By George Orwell
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shooting an Elephant is an essay by George Orwell, reflecting on his experiences as a colonial police officer in Burma. It explores the complexities of imperialism, examining the moral conflicts and societal pressures faced by individuals entrenched in such systems. Through a poignant personal incident, Orwell delves into themes of power, authority, and ethical dilemmas.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate reflections on colonialism, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas, presented through compelling narrative essays. Orwell's eloquent prose and insightful observations offer a deep exploration into challenging socio-political themes, capturing the complexities of human nature and authority.

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Shooting an Elephant

An account of author's experience as a police officer in imperial Burma; killing an escaped elephant in front of a crowd 'solely to avoid looking a fool'. This title features essays such as 'My Country Right or Left', 'How the Poor Die' and 'Such, Such were the Joys', his memoir of the horrors of public school, and more.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This collection brings together Orwell's longer, major essays and a selection of shorter pieces that include Shooting an Elephant, "My Country Right or Left", "Decline of an English Murder" and "A Hanging".

Orwell unfolds his views on subjects ranging from a revaluation of Charles Dickens to a defence of English cooking, displaying a mastery of English plain prose style and continuing to challenge, move and entertain.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell is often praised for its insightful commentary on imperialism and inner conflict. Reviewers generally highlight its vivid narrative style and Orwell's ability to capture the complexities of colonial power dynamics. The book is appreciated for its thought-provoking content and insightful reflections on moral challenges.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141187396

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 June 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Jeremy Paxman

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 295g

Pages: 400

Collections

Arts & Culture Biography & Memoir George Orwell Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950), better known by his pen-name, George Orwell, was born in India, where his father worked for the Civil Service. An author and journalist, Orwell was one of the most prominent and influential figures in twentieth-century literature. His unique political allegory Animal Farm was published in 1945, and it was this novel, together with the dystopia of Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), which brought him world-wide fame. His novels and non-fiction include Burmese Days, Down and Out in Paris and London, The Road to Wigan Pier and Homage to Catalonia.

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