![Narrator's Dilemma in "Shooting An Elephant"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/kristy-littlehale/analyzing-the-narrator-s-dilemma-in--shooting-an-elephant-.png "Narrator's Dilemma in "Shooting An Elephant"")
Activity Overview
Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the narrator encounters in “Shooting An Elephant” as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the narrator’s choices. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.
Introduction
The narrator sees the elephant has calmed down, and no longer poses a threat, but the crowd behind him is anxious for him to do something.
Problem 1
If the narrator tries to gauge the elephant’s aggression, he could get stuck in the mud, panic, and be killed by the elephant in front of the spectators who will probably just laugh. If he walks away, he will also be seen as a fool and a coward.
Problem 2
If the narrator shoots the elephant, he will be harming the owner financially because the elephant is an important labor animal. In addition, the narrator doesn’t want to kill the animal—he feels guilty for shooting an animal for being an animal, and especially because he no longer poses a threat.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "Shooting an Elephant".
- Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
- Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Exemplary 25 Points | Proficient 21 Points | Commendable 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice of Scenes | Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. |
| Captions | Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand. | Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand. | Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand. | Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand. |
| Characters | The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story | The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story. |
| Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar | There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. |
Activity Overview
Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the narrator encounters in “Shooting An Elephant” as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the narrator’s choices. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.
Introduction
The narrator sees the elephant has calmed down, and no longer poses a threat, but the crowd behind him is anxious for him to do something.
Problem 1
If the narrator tries to gauge the elephant’s aggression, he could get stuck in the mud, panic, and be killed by the elephant in front of the spectators who will probably just laugh. If he walks away, he will also be seen as a fool and a coward.
Problem 2
If the narrator shoots the elephant, he will be harming the owner financially because the elephant is an important labor animal. In addition, the narrator doesn’t want to kill the animal—he feels guilty for shooting an animal for being an animal, and especially because he no longer poses a threat.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "Shooting an Elephant".
- Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
- Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Exemplary 25 Points | Proficient 21 Points | Commendable 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice of Scenes | Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. |
| Captions | Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand. | Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand. | Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand. | Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand. |
| Characters | The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story | The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story. |
| Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar | There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. |
How Tos about Narrator’s Dilemma in Shooting an Elephant
Plan a Collaborative Dilemma Debate for Deeper Student Engagement
Encourage students to work together by organizing a structured debate about the narrator’s dilemma in Shooting an Elephant. This activity boosts engagement, helps students practice critical thinking, and allows them to see multiple perspectives on difficult choices.
Assign roles to students as debate teams and judges
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group to argue for one possible choice the narrator could make. Appoint a few students as neutral judges to evaluate arguments, ensuring all students are actively involved.
Have teams research and prepare their arguments
Allow teams to gather evidence from the text and prepare points supporting their assigned choice. Focus on both the narrator’s feelings and the consequences to build strong, text-based arguments.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful discussion
Guide the debate by setting clear rules for speaking and listening. Encourage students to respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints, fostering a respectful and academic atmosphere.
Reflect on the debate and connect to real-life dilemmas
Lead a class discussion after the debate to reflect on what was learned. Ask students to connect the narrator’s dilemma to tough choices they might face in real life, deepening empathy and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Narrator’s Dilemma in Shooting an Elephant
What is the narrator's dilemma in 'Shooting an Elephant'?
The narrator's dilemma in 'Shooting an Elephant' centers on whether to shoot the elephant to appease the crowd or spare it because it no longer poses a threat. He struggles with the moral conflict of acting against his conscience versus succumbing to societal pressure.
How can students create a storyboard about the dilemma in 'Shooting an Elephant'?
To create a storyboard, students should illustrate the introduction showing the calm elephant and anxious crowd, then depict the narrator's two main choices and their consequences in separate cells labeled Problem 1 and Problem 2. This helps visualize the conflict and potential outcomes.
What are the possible outcomes of the narrator's choices in 'Shooting an Elephant'?
If the narrator shoots the elephant, he feels guilty and harms the owner financially. If he refrains, he risks being seen as weak or cowardly by the crowd and endangering himself. Both choices have negative consequences, illustrating a classic dilemma.
Why is the dilemma in 'Shooting an Elephant' important for students to analyze?
Analyzing this dilemma helps students understand moral conflict, peer pressure, and character motivation. It encourages empathy and critical thinking about decision-making in difficult situations.
What is an effective way to teach dilemmas using 'Shooting an Elephant' in high school?
An effective way is to have students identify the dilemma, discuss possible choices and consequences, and then create a visual storyboard. This interactive approach deepens understanding and engagement with the text.
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