The story concerns a colonial officer’s obligation to shoot an elephant. George does not want to shoot the elephant, but feels compelled to by a crowd of indigenous residents, before whom he does not wish to appear indecisive or cowardly.
The British consider the Burmese as their enemies as they are not voluntary followers. They have been oppressed and may rebel to fight for their freedom. The Burmese think of the British as their enemy for the invaders have taken away their freedom. They are hostile torwards their existence.
The Elephant, a wild animal, is an enemy of all humans. It is a hostile force which won't think twice for defending its life when harmed