We often find that it is simpler to stay hidden in the dark, rather than step out into the light. As citizens it is our responsibility to call out our leaders if they are not taking notice of what we, the people, want or need. The animals, in Animal Farm, overthrew their farmer and attempted to form a fair government, but soon became dictated to, by the pigs. The book records the evolution of tyranny to totalitarianism which became as terrible as their first situation. In Animal Farm, George Orwell illustrates that it is the responsibility of the citizens to stand up against injustice and inequality.
Mr. Jones, the farmer and dictator of the farm, treated his animals harshly and made them work like slaves while he rested in the farmhouse, contributing nothing to the welfare of the farm. The farm animals were furious of Mr. Jones’ attitude and laziness as well as the unfair treatment they received. With their dismay towards the parasitical human beings, in an attempt to create an equal society, the animals rebelled and seized the farm. However, class division did not simply end here. As George Orwell had expressed through the novella, although dreams of creating a strong, equal society seemed so palpable upon the creation of communism, class division was inevitable and would remained to be a prominent issue by suppressing the poor and weakening the society as the ruling powers corrupt.
The Use of Propaganda in Animal Farm by George Orwell Propaganda is defined as misleading or biased information spread for the advancement of a cause. In the historical fiction novel Animal Farm written by George Orwell farm animals overpower their human leader and attempt to construct a movement in which all animals are equal. Propaganda is evident throughout the story. Not far in it becomes apparent that the pigs are the most intelligent. Squealer, the propaganda agent uses propaganda in the story as a way to manipulate the animals who are not pigs.
Using the examples of Napoleon and Boxer this essay will discuss the truths of human nature and express the traits of these characters both good and bad including; loyalty and obedience as well as selfishness and greed. Napoleon represents the corrupt political dictators that have been in power before and even after the novel was written. He slowly and subtly put himself into power of the farm and was very manipulative in the way he got there. The animals were always ensured that everything he did was for the good of the farm but as the book goes on Napoleon’s hunger for power is revealed. It shows the extent he will go and lies he will tell to ensure the power he has isn’t taken away.
Each animal would then work past their capacity, whilst living in poor condition, death being seemingly inevitable once they had outlived their use. When the pigs introduce punishment and a death sentence for committing crimes against Animal Farm, many animals are ‘slain on the spot’, moreover, this is the first time since Jones’ displacement when there is blood spilt on the farm. Napoleon creates his own personal guards, who also punish the lower animals who betray Animal Farm. These ‘dogs wearing brass studded collars’ are a force none of the working-class animals wish to cross, for when they do, harsh repercussions follow. The animals that had confessed to their heinous crimes were executed by the dogs who ‘tore their throats out’.
“Beasts of England” is a song that Old Major taught to all of them, and it is extremely important because it is an inspiration to rebel against Man and bonds the animals together. The pigs decide to abolish it because, according to them, the song is no longer necessary. The tyranny that the pigs rule is destroying the culture of Animalism because this song is a major part of the animals’ lives. The reader feels that this dictatorship is destroying the animals’ history and culture even more after “[Benjamin] read[s] out to [Clover] what was written on the wall. There was nothing there now except a single Commandment.
The theme in Animal Farm maintains that in every society there are leaders who, if given the opportunity, will likely abuse their power. It is a satire on the politicians and their ability to manipulate others because of their insatiable lust for power. Despite his seemingly selfless motives, Napoleon the pig is presented as a power hungry individual who masks all his actions with the excuse that they are for the betterment of the farm such as him stealing the milk and covering it with the lie that it has nutrients essential to pigs only. Although the story is an allegory of the Soviet Union under Stalin, it still holds significance in the present day world and even in the society of India. These will be analyzed through the research paper.
Old Major becomes the prophet of a revolution launched by pigs to overthrow man's tyranny. The animals drive out a farmer from the farm and Government falls under the control of pigs. But with the help of their tyranny and ruthlessness they establish the tyranny. At the end of the story it is confirmed that power had corrupted both the species. Orwell presents his political thoughts in this novel.
The Russians who were from middle class wanted political reformation against working conditions of industry, which were almost sub-human, they wanted it against the poverty and some other major issues. Same as the animals in the Manor farm did against Mr. Jones by driving him out because he was starving animals and making them work day and night. This revolution was against the monarchy apparently, but it turned out to be a complete loss for the Russian people because of Stalin’s arrival. Orwell has successfully written a satire, in which human hypocrisy is unveiled in a literary fashion which not only relates to Russian Revolution but every revolution of the world in
CHAPTER 3: PARALLELS BETWEEN RUSSIAN REVOLUTION AND ANIMAL FARM THROUGH EVENTS AND CHARACTERS “In the time of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Orwell.G 1949 George Orwell’s influential novel Animal Farm ultimately turned out to be a political commentary and presumably an allegory which revolves around Russian Revolution. Basically, parallel means occurring or existing in corresponding manner. There are number of events which directly correspond to Soviet Russia. Just like the people of Russia drove out Tsar Nicholas 2 in the exact same way animals of Manor Farm rebelled against Mr. Jones after enduring a prolonged period of injustice. With the passage of time, the pigs dominate working class of animals, because they are clever than others and then power corrupts them eventually they crave for more and more and become power-hungry their obsession enslaves them and the idea of it resembles them to their enemy which is human.