Human beings have a natural curiosity of the unknown, a deep seethed urge to venture into uncharted territory. Whether it be for personal gain or the betterment of a people, nothing quite compares to the evolutionary theory of expansion. Expansion is defined as “the action of becoming larger or more extensive.” Throughout the decades, as we explore in ERH 205WX, there seems to arise or rather, evolve, a new manner of thinking. In William Shakespeare’s “Henry V” (1599), Rudyard Kipling’s “The Man Who Would be King” (1888), and George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” (1936), we experience the different changes expansion has brought. W experience a sort of shift about the views of expansion, questioning its ethicality as the years unfold, becoming more aware of morals, values, and beliefs.

In Shakespeare’s “Henry V”, we are first introduced to expansion values, under the blanket of fighting for the English throne. Henry V was particularly effective, with his advanced rhetorical skills, in persuading his audience to always side with him. There are multiple times in the play when we begin to understand the complexity of his character, and his flaws that make him human, allowing us to be able to empathize with the man as he goes through what no one also seems to like, war. The war he fights is both physical and mental. Henry V must partake in the physical war and although at times his actions are harsh, he doesn’t allow outside forces to sway his values, morals, and beliefs. I think this is a reflection on how he, and more specifically, that time period, 1599, views expansion. Because he stands for something, neither seeking approval from others, allows him to make rational decisions. Expansion is viewed more as a poer play, a task, allowing him to remove all emotions from the actions.

In Rudyard Kipling’s “The Man Who would be King”, the view on expansion takes on a new light, it being solely focused on the personal gain. As we’ve read, its about two men who take on the challenge of becoming kings and undergo a journey which eventually leads them there. Whether it be sheer boredom or an unquenchable thirst, these two men believe it is their rightful destiny to be rulers. Here we experience a shift in expansion views. Where Henry V focused on working with his subordinates to attain France, Dravot and Peachy, are focused on themselves, having a more selfishly internal motivation for continuous success. It is also apparent in their interaction with their subordinates, having no respect to those they view as inferior by continuously mocking, ridiculing, and disrespecting their culture. With this, we can conclude that in this time period, 1888, British culture has become more materialistic and self-centered.  The views of expansion have changed to a point where all feelings of patriotism have been replaced with self-gain / assurance.

Last but certainly not least, George Orwell surprises us with a new take on things. We, for the first time, get to view things from the oppressor who is being oppressed. As we come full circle, we are reminded again that we are all humans, and with that being said, are ruled by our emotions. In this story, we are introduced to a man who must follow orders but is not necessarily aligned with what his supervisors are asking him to do. His feelings of resentment, are also fueled by the fact that he is being mistreated by the Indians he has been put in charge of. This shines light on the fact that everyone is affected by expansion, whether it be positive or negative. George Orwell lets us in the individuals mind, one that is supposed to align with the one of the oppressor. This is particularly effective because, as I previously mentioned, there is a shift on the views of expansion, and that is due to advancement in society and the rules that befall upon it, that we experience this change.

We explored different aspects of British culture in different works, in three different time periods. I, as a Cameroonian, the affects of expansion are still prevalent in my culture today. I chose to reflect on the British cultural practice of expansion because of the most recent marvel movie released, Black Panther. The movie explores untouched Africa. It explores Africa, had the continent been allowed to run its course and the people given a chance to develop into their own. This view of expansion, although juvenile, had a tremendous effect on not only Africa’s but the whole world’s history, paving the way that people of African descent are viewed today. This is significant because in all three works, the author shines light on the views of his time. In Shakespeare’s Henry V, there is no look into racism, and although the British are superior in power to France, Henry V never ceases to view them as a people rather than an obstacle he must overcome to achieve his goal. In Kilping’s “The Man Who Would be King” we get a complete 360 shift on how they view their subordinate’s views. Dravot and Peachy are extremely quick to establishing the differences in where they stand, choosing to purposely alienate and lower Kafiristanians. Last but not in Orwell’s short story, we sense yet again another shift. Although the main office continues to have a sort of “superior” look on his subordinates, he at least empathizes with them.