Imperialism Literature Paper

Physicality can change, but character is permanent. In Nadine Gordimer’s “The Moment Before the Gun Went Off” and George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” it is clear that someone living within Imperialism can never free himself or herself from the effects of it. Gordimer’s piece takes place in South Africa. Previously, the apartheid imposed by the British, who colonized there, divided black and white society. After South Africa gained its independence, they abolished the apartheid, but scars of that time remain in the society. Orwell’s piece takes place in early 20th century Burma. The British also colonized Burma, present day Myanmar, for many years, taking control of its inhabitants. The protagonist of “Shooting an Elephant” is a British officer stationed in a rural village. In each story, characters are victim to imperialism. The authors use point of view and perspective to shape characterization and action, proving that whether imperialism is present in a country or was in its the past, its effects remain with all those who come in contact with it.

Point of view and perspective shape the protagonist, Marais Van der Vyver in Nadine Gordimer’s, “The Moment Before the Gun Went Off.” Van der Vyver exhibits guilt for killing his son, but only after it is too late to save him. The narrator states, from Van der Vyver’s perspective, “The young black callously shot through the negligence of the white man was not the farmer’s boy; he was his son.” Van der Vyver criticizes his own lack of care before the accident. The narrator’s 3rd party point of view allows for emotional separation from Van der Vyver, so the opinion appears more objective. Using the word “negligence” indicates long term abandonment. “Farmer’s boy” is a generic term with only work related connotation for Van der Vyver and others in the town, while the word “son” is associated with love and family. Callouses take time to form indicating Van der Vyver has treated his son unlovingly for a long time. These...