The first sentence in "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell

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Yilaner - 12 Jul 2009 02:30 GMT

"In Moulmein, in lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people –
the only time
in my life that I have been important enough for this to happen to me.
I was sub-divisional
police officer of the town, and ..."

What does " the only time in my life that I have been important enough
for this to happen
to me" ?

What does "this" refer to ?

Thanks for the reply.

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Skitt - 12 Jul 2009 02:40 GMT

> "In Moulmein, in lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people –
> the only time in my life that I have been important enough for this
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks for the reply.

It refers to the hating by large numbers of people.

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Skitt (AmE)

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tony cooper - 12 Jul 2009 02:41 GMT

>"In Moulmein, in lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people
>the only time
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>What does "this" refer to ?

"This" refers to "I was hated by large numbers of people". He is
saying that he's never before been important enough to have a large
number of people pay attention to him.

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Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida

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Steve Hayes - 13 Jul 2009 06:07 GMT

>"In Moulmein, in lower Burma, I was hated by large numbers of people
>the only time
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>What does "this" refer to ?

Being hated by large numbers of people.

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Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2009

The first sentence in "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell