Shooting an Elephant

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1936

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Multiple Choice

1. A

2. C (Title)

3. B (Paragraph 2)

4. A (Paragraph 3)

5. D (Paragraph 9)

6. D

7. C

8. D (Paragraph 14)

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Long Answer

1. It is ironic that the Burmese ask for the narrator’s help with the elephant because he is generally treated with contempt by the local people. In fact, they usually “sneered” and “hooted” insults at him. (Paragraph 1)

2. The narrator hesitates when he comes face-to-face with the elephant because of the elephant’s monetary value and its calm demeanor. He realizes “it was a serious matter to shoot a working elephant,” and it was “peacefully eating…no more dangerous than a cow” (Paragraph 6), causing him to second guess his decision.