Shooting An Elephant Values

To begin, the influences of each character lead to the creation of their own values and beliefs. It is evident, that the background of which each protagonist bases their values off of, are completely different. In Shooting An Elephant, he is a police officer which in this society makes him an obvious target; due to him being in an alliance with the British. He explains that, “the insults hooted after me got on my nerves” and this is a factor for the silence of his voice (Orwell). Orwell develops a character, that struggles with controlling his beliefs since he is a member of the minority in Moulmein. In addition, he fights with his inner thoughts because he knows that he is “young and ill-educated” but he continues to lock up innocent people

Some people have the ability to stay true to themselves like Vicente but others including the officer, give into the pressure and please others. One recognizes that the officer has “no intention to shoot the elephant [he will only] defend [himself] if necessary” (Orwell). The shift occurs when the crowd of natives follow him and he feels obligated to shoot. He strikes the elephant even though it goes against his beliefs. At this point Orwell develops a character with the mindset that pleasing others comes before pleasing oneself. He no longer controls his values if anything he falls short of them. The opposite of this occurs with Vicente’s decisions. Of what little he owns, his amphora is his pride. Once it shatters into the earth, he sets out for another one in hope of becoming happier. Even though the last one has been found, “the search itself is important, only the search” (Wuorio). Nor the ocean’s weather condition or others weary judgments on his actions get in the way of Vicente’s values. He executes his decision to benefit himself and not others. It is evident that, others have the ability to pressure one into changing their values. An exception is when one does not possess the urge to please