Animal rights and literature Flashcards
History of animal protection laws
Animal protection laws in the UK began with Martin’s Act in 1822, which focused on protecting cattle and horses. In 1835, the act was extended to include domestic animals like cats and dogs. Later, in 1960, the Abandonment of Animals Act made it illegal to abuse or abandon an animal. The Animal Rights Act of 2006 holds owners accountable for their animals’ safety.
Philosophers on Animal Rights
Peter Wilson and Richard Ryder both advocate for animal rights, arguing that animals have the right to live freely and without suffering. Wilson emphasizes that animals suffer in the same way humans do and should not be subjected to pain and unfair treatment. Ryder argues that mistreatment of animals is unjustified speciesism, and that all living creatures should have the same basic rights. Gary L. Francione believes humans should not be superior to animals and that using animals for human needs is not justified by human power over animals.
The purpose of animal rights
educate people that it is immoral to abuse or exploit animals, and to reduce their suffering to a minimum. It is also to affirm that animals have the right to live free of human use and exploitation, and that humans should leave animals alone to live their own lives.
Animal rights principles
the belief that all creatures have the right to be free and not be treated as property. There is a call to abolish institutionalized animal exploitation, and all sentient beings, regardless of species, should not be used solely as a resource. The aim is to reject all forms of discrimination, including speciesism, and treat all living beings equally.
Shooting an elephant
an essay by George Orwell, published in 1936. The essay recounts Orwell’s experience as a police officer in Burma, where he was called upon to shoot an aggressive elephant. Despite his reservations, Orwell felt compelled to carry out the task, and he describes his anguish as he watched the elephant suffer a slow and painful death.
Theme: imperialism
George Orwell is an anti-imperialist writer who believes that imperialism is destructive for both the conqueror and the conquered. He argues that imperialism is an evil thing and clearly expresses his displeasure with colonial Britain.
Theme: principales
explores the conflict between his reasoned principles and his visceral reactions. Orwell recognizes the tyrannical and abusive nature of the British Empire, but also harbors contempt for the local villagers who mistreat him. The tension between these principles is highlighted in his decision to shoot the rogue elephant. While his humane impulses urged him to spare the animal, he ultimately killed it out of fear of humiliation and pressure from the laughing crowd.
Symbolism: the elephant
the elephant symbolizes oppression and victimization by the colonizers. Orwell kills the elephant not because it is necessary, but to assert his power and avoid appearing weak in front of the Burmese people. The elephant represents the brutal exploitation of the colonized and the lengths to which the colonizers will go to maintain their dominance.
Symbolism: The Chains on the Elephant legs:
symbolize violent treatment against the animal.
Symbolism: The gun
represents the power of the British Empire and authority they hold over the colonized. The gun is used to control as he used it to kill the elephant.
Symbolism: The Three Shots
symbolize the three big events that end imperialism:
1) The Great Depression
2) WWI
3) Rise of authoritarian regimes (e.g. Soviet Union and Nazi Party)
characters
The Narrator: A young Englishman who serves as a police officer in Burma and opposes British rule.
Sub-Inspector: A Burmese officer who calls for the narrator’s help when an elephant gets loose in town.
Black Dravidian Coolie: An Indian laborer who is killed by the elephant.
Friend of the Narrator: A man who provides the narrator with an elephant gun.
Police Orderly: A person who fetches an elephant gun for the narrator.
Mahout: The owner of the elephant who becomes angry after learning of its death.
Crowd of Townspeople: Spectators who gather to watch the events unfold.
The point of integration in “Shooting an Elephant”
is that killing the elephant, while it peacefully eats grass, is an act of barbarism. The elephant’s rebelliousness does not justify Orwell’s decision to kill it. The elephant’s life in captivity is the reason for its rampage, as tame elephants are chained up when they become aggressive. This reflects a broader theme in literature where animals are mistreated and treated as objects. Orwell’s depiction of the elephant highlights the need for animal rights and the importance of treating animals with compassion and respect.
