It is a metaphor for Orwell's experience with the institution of colonialism. The encounter with the elephant took him into “the real motives for which despotic governments act.” While the elephant eats grass at piece, killing it is an act of indisputable barbarism — symbolizing colonialism's barbaric nature.
There is no singular recorded occasion which motivated Orwell to write the essay. This work, autobiographical in nature, is possibly an addition to his work Burmese Days. Orwell's strong views on Imperialism are reflected in a lot of work, and has progressed in the essay "Shooting an Elephant"
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