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Compare and contrast the conflicts faced by Orwell in “Shooting an Elephant” to those faced by Gideon in “No Witchcraft for Sale.” To what unique revelation does Orwell’s position as a police officer lead him? How can Gideon’s ultimate decision not to share his knowledge be interpreted as an act of rebellion and an assertion of the dignity and worth of his culture?

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Answer:

Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell and "No Witchcraft for Sale" by Doris Lessing both deal with themes of power, colonialism, and cultural conflict.

In "Shooting an Elephant," Orwell is a police officer in British-occupied Burma who is faced with the dilemma of having to shoot an elephant that has gone rogue, killing a man. Through this experience, Orwell realizes the oppressive nature of colonialism and the ways in which it forces individuals to act against their own values and beliefs.

On the other hand, "No Witchcraft for Sale" follows the story of Gideon, a servant who possesses knowledge of a powerful healing plant that is coveted by a white family. Despite being offered a large sum of money to reveal the plant's location, Gideon refuses, realizing the importance of preserving his culture and traditions.

Orwell's position as a police officer leads him to a unique revelation that he is a part of the oppressive system of colonialism, and that his actions are contributing to the subjugation of the Burmese people. Gideon's decision not to share his knowledge can be interpreted as an act of rebellion and an assertion of the dignity and worth of his culture, as he chooses to prioritize his cultural heritage over financial gain and the desires of the white family.

In conclusion, both stories highlight the complex nature of cultural conflict and the ways in which power dynamics can shape individual actions and beliefs. While Orwell's revelation leads him to question the morality of his actions, Gideon's decision to withhold his knowledge can be seen as an act of resistance and a celebration of his cultural identity.

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