Blog #3

Montaignes essay, in comparison to the other CNF’s is dissimilar. He talks almost from a third person’s point of view, and at the same time from his point of view, in when he uses “I”. He discusses the last moment of other people as if he were there from what I understand. He further goes on to say that you cant judge a person until you see him/her in their dying moments, which i disagree with. Only because we have some sadistic people who have no remorse for their wrong doings, and die with a evil smirk across their face. On the other hand, you have people who live a great life, that they fear just the thought of death. In addition to that, the writing style used was that of old English, which I am not accustomed to reading, therefore making this story relevantly hard to comprehend.

George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” is a prime example of creative nonfiction. When I first started this class it seemed to me, a contradictory statement. How can nonfiction be creative? After reading this piece I understand. Orwell clearly illustrates a story in his life, which normally would be mundane and uninteresting. By sharing his innermost thoughts with the reader he easily turns the essay into something we can connect with, which in turn, compels us to read on.

Although it is a work of nonfiction, symbolism is ever present in this piece. Orwell himself is a symbol of the British rulers of Burma. He states how strongly he loathes his job and how no matter what he does or how he acts he will never truly be accepted. Yet his need to be liked, to be noticed, to be appreciated surpasses his need to do the right thing  “They did not like me, but with the magical rifle in my hands I was momentarily worth watching. And suddenly I realized that I should have to shoot the elephant after all.”  He is well aware that taking the life of the elephant was wrong, but, as he so aptly put it “he shall spend his life in trying to impress the ‘natives’ and so in every crisis he has got to do what the ‘natives’ expect of him. He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.” In order to keep peace and save face in a land which you rule yet you so clearly do not belong and are highly outnumbered the only way to maintain power is to acclimate into their society slowly. This alone is why, although he truly detests the idea of killing such a magnificent animal, he must. He, like most of us, needs to feel a part of the bigger picture.

This essay was clear and concise yet full of emotion. I found it easy to read and comprehend as opposed to Montaigne’s That Men Should Not Judge. It flowed much more smoothly and, although not in today’s standard “relaxed” speech, much more enjoyable. The total picture was easy to understand and Orwell seemed to be appealing to regular people whereas Montaigne’s essay was more suited for intellects. “Shooting an Elephant” is a story anyone in any walk of life can relate to.