The Real Nature of Imperialism

” Both suggest that imperialism has a different effect than intended, for imperialism leads the seemingly strong, authoritative individuals to be swayed from their duty and powerfulness by the influence of the masses. Kurtz lacked restraint in the gratification of his various lust” (Conrad 2001). In effect, they develop a view of imperialism that contradicts their social standing and is similar to that of their subordinates.

Kurtz had lived in the Congo, and was separate from his own culture for quite some time. The deeper into the jungle he goes, the more regressive the inhabitants seem. Orwell states, “But I did not want to shoot the elephant. Marlow says about himself, “I was getting savage,” meaning that he was becoming more like Kurtz. Minutes later, Orwell finds himself firing bullet after bullet trying to kill the very animal that he had just contemplated and deemed harmless. ” During Marlow’s mission to find Kurtz, he is also trying to find himself. He had once been considered an honorable man, but the jungle changed him greatly. However, it is the pressure from the crowd that causes this British military officer to make a poor choice that he would not have made alone. Here, secluded from the rest of his own society, he discovered his evil side and became corrupted by his power and solitude. Imperialism transforms Orwell and Kurtz into civilian-like creatures who are ironically at the mercy of their own powerlessness and the power of the people they come in contact with. This can be linked to Orwell’s essay in which natives’ bitter attitudes towards the police, and the place as a whole, changes one’s actions and emotions. Although the elephant did trample a man to death, Orwell knows the elephant is in a calm state, and will abide quietly until its owner returns.