Imperialism Insights in Literature

Questions and Answers

What was the initial reaction of the people when questioned about the elephant's whereabouts?

They provided clear and consistent information.

They claimed to have never heard of any elephant. (correct)

They were immediately certain of where the elephant had gone.

They insisted that the elephant was no longer in the area.

What event prompted the narrator to investigate further?

A group of women shouting in outrage.

The discovery of tracks leading away from the hut.

The yells and cries from a distance. (correct)

The arrival of a crowd gathering around a scene.

How did the man die, according to the people's accounts?

He was trampled by a stampede of elephants.

He fell while trying to escape from the elephant.

The elephant attacked him while he was sleeping.

He was caught by the elephant's trunk and crushed. (correct)

What condition was the ground in at the time of the man's death?

It was muddy and soft due to the rainy season. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the narrator take after discovering the dead man?

He sent for an elephant rifle. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the narrator to go out to the bazaar early that morning?

He was asked to handle an elephant that was causing destruction. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the elephant causing havoc in the town?

It was in a state of 'must' after breaking its chain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of the elephant's rampage reported in the town?

It destroyed a bamboo hut and killed a cow. Signup and view all the answers

What tools did the narrator bring with him to address the situation with the elephant?

An old rifle intended to scare the elephant. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the area where the elephant was causing chaos?

It was a poor quarter with bamboo huts and steep hillsides. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Overview

An incident involving a rampaging elephant leads to insights about imperialism and governmental motives.
Early morning call from a local police sub-inspector reports the elephant causing chaos in the bazaar.

The Elephant's Condition and Behavior

The elephant was not wild but a tame one that had gone into “must,” a state of sexual aggression.
It escaped after breaking its chain due to lack of oversight from its mahout, who was far away following poor directions.

Damage caused by the Elephant

Elephant destroyed bamboo huts, killed a cow, and raided fruit stalls, showcasing its danger to the local population.
Encountered a municipal rubbish van and overturned it, further illustrating the chaos caused.

Community Response

The Burmese population was defenseless, lacking weapons and organized support against the elephant's rampage.
Confusion in the community regarding the elephant's whereabouts highlights issues of communication in crises.

Discovery of Fatal Incident

Amidst the search for the elephant, a coolie’s dead body is discovered, revealing the severe consequences of the elephant's attack.
Victim identified as a Dravidian coolie, brutally killed by the elephant's force, reflecting the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.

Visual Description of the Body

The corpse exhibits signs of violent death, including deep trench marks on the ground and a grotesque facial expression, challenging the notion of death as peaceful.
The body shows gruesome details typical of an elephant's powerful presence.

Preparations for Confrontation

Decision made to procure a more effective elephant rifle after witnessing the aftermath of the attack.
The narrator abandons his pony to prevent further distress, indicating a focus on safety for both the rider and animal.

Description

Explore the themes and insights of imperialism presented in a reflective narrative. This quiz invites you to analyze a pivotal incident that unveils the motives behind despotic actions. Delve into the broader implications and personal interpretations of the described event.