How does Orwell describe his feelings about the British Empire, and about his role in it, both at the time he took part in the incident described,...

At the time of the incident, Orwell describes his feelings about the British Empire in very negative terms. He talks about imperialism being an "evil thing," for example, and how running the empire is "dirty" work. He also refers to the British as "oppressors." To illustrate these points, he gives the example of Burmese prisoners, locked up in "wretched cages" and scarred from beatings.

Regarding his role in the British Empire, Orwell feels an "intolerable sense of guilt." Moreover, although he hates his job, he cannot simply give it up, which further adds to his sense of guilt and feelings of hatred towards the British Empire.

After reflecting on the incident, there is some change in Orwell's attitude. He is "glad" to have been on the side of the oppressors, if only because it gave him legal justification and pretext for killing the elephant. Moreover, from his tone in the final line, he seems amused as he wonders if anyone realized his true motive for killing the elephant: that he didn't want to look like a fool.