In "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell, the elephant symbolizes several aspects of the situation in Burma.
1. **a) Immoral**: The elephant can symbolize the immorality of colonial control over Burma. Just like the elephant is a majestic and powerful creature that is ultimately destroyed for no valid reason, the colonial control over Burma can be seen as oppressive and unjust.
2. **b) Agreeable**: On the other hand, some may argue that the elephant symbolizes the idea that colonial control is agreeable. In the story, the Burmese people expect the narrator (a colonial officer) to shoot the elephant, highlighting a sense of acceptance or agreement with the colonial authority.
3. **c) Appropriate**: The elephant's symbolism can also suggest that colonial control is appropriate. The narrator feels pressured to act in a certain way to maintain control and authority, mirroring the perceived necessity of colonial rule to maintain order and power in Burma.
4. **d) Inefficient**: Lastly, the elephant could symbolize the inefficiency of colonial rule. The inability to properly handle the situation with the elephant reflects the shortcomings and inefficacies of colonial control in governing and addressing the needs of the Burmese people.
Each of these interpretations provides a different perspective on the symbolism of the elephant in relation to colonial control over Burma in the story.
