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And on his farm there lived a pig who ruled the Manor Farm.

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“Animal Farm” is a novella written by George Orwell and tells a powerful story that uses a group of farm animals to satirize the events that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The animals are oppressed and mistreated by their owner, Mr. Jones, which later ignites a rebellion against him to establish a new society where all animals are equal. After Mr. Jones’ passing, the animals, led by the pigs Snowball and Napoleon, decide to rename the farm “Animal Farm.”

At the beginning, the animals cooperate with one another to create a fair and just society based on the principles which they called Animalism. However, over time, the pigs eventually become corrupted by power. They begin oppressing the other animals and justifying their actions by rewritting the commandments of Animalism with the famous line:

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

George Orwell

Analysis

Corruption of Power

The novella vividly portrays how those who initially fight for justice and equality can become corrupt when they gain power. The pigs, who symbolize the Soviet leadership, gradually evolve into oppressors and exploite their fellow animals. Any animal that questions the pigs’ authority are met with excessive brutality and even death.

“And so the tale of confessions and executions went on, until there was a pile of corpses lying before Napoleon’s feet and the air was heavy with the smell of blood, which had been unknown there since the expulsion of Jones.”

George Orwell

This quote illustrates the ruthlessness with which those in power maintain control.

Betrayal of the Working Class

Throughout the novella, the pigs do betray their fellow animal farms by not respecting the principles of Animalism. However, the most notable betrayal of all would be the pigs’ alliance with human farmers. The alliance symbolizes the betrayal of the original revolution and the animals’ realization that they have merely exchanged one form of oppression for another.

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”

George Orwell

The Role of Fear

Fear is a powerful means used by the pigs to maintain control and stability in the farm. The animals are kept in a constant state of anxiety through the threat of the return of Mr. Jones and the execution of dissenters. The dogs, raised by the pigs from when they were puppies, are used as enforcers and represent the use of excessive force and terror to tame opposition.

Conclusion

“Animal Farm” explores themes of political corruption, totalitarianism, propaganda, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. It serves as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the potential for those in power to manipulate and exploit the masses. This novella is a timeless allegory that continues to resonate with readers as it sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the abuse of power.