Name: Rapael Munthe
NPM : 237450018
Subject : Reading For professional Purposes
"Animal Farm"by George Orwell
Summary
Animal Farm by George Orwell is a political allegory that depicts the rebellion of a group of
overworked and mistreated animals against their human owner. The story begins at Manor Farm,
owned by Mr. Jones, a neglectful and often drunken farmer. The animals on the farm suffer
greatly due to hard labor and lack of food.
One night, an old boar named Old Major gathers all the animals and delivers a speech inspiring
them to revolt against Mr. Jones and take over the farm for themselves. Old Major dies shortly
after, but his revolutionary spirit lives on.
Led by two young pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, the animals succeed in driving Mr. Jones away
and rename the farm to Animal Farm. Initially, the rebellion seems successful, and the farm is
run based on principles of equality and justice for all animals. They create seven commandments
emphasizing that all animals are equal.
However, over time, the ambitious Napoleon starts to consolidate power for himself. He uses
dogs he raised from puppies as his military force to expel Snowball and take full control of the
farm. Under his rule, the original commandments begin to be violated, and the other animals start
to suffer as much as, if not more than, before.
Napoleon and the other pigs begin to enjoy luxuries and privileges once reserved only for
humans, while the other animals toil with little reward. The slogan that once read "All animals
are equal" eventually changes to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than
others."
The story ends with the animals unable to distinguish between the pigs who lead them and the
humans they once fought against. Orwell uses this tale to reflect how revolutions intended to
create a more just society can devolve into tyrannies as bad as or worse than the regimes they
replace, especially when power is concentrated in the hands of a few.
"Animal Farm" is a critique of totalitarianism and the corruption of power, illustrating how
revolutionary ideals are often betrayed by those who exploit power for personal gain.
Analysis of Animal Farm by George Orwell
1. Allegory and Satire
"Animal Farm" is an allegory, a story that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey broader
social and political messages. The farm and its inhabitants represent the events leading up to the
Russian Revolution of 1917 and the early years of the Soviet Union. Each character and event
symbolizes a key figure or event in Soviet history.
2. Characters and Their Representations
Old Major: Symbolizes Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, the ideological founders of
communism. His vision of a society free from human exploitation represents the
revolutionary ideas that sparked the Russian Revolution.
Mr. Jones: Represents Tsar Nicholas II, the overthrown leader of Russia. His neglect and
cruelty toward the animals symbolize the oppression experienced by the Russian people
under Tsarist rule.
Snowball: Represents Leon Trotsky, a leading figure in the early Soviet Union who was
eventually ousted by Stalin. Snowball is intelligent and idealistic, advocating for
improvements to the farm, much like Trotsky's vision for the future of Russia.
Napoleon: Represents Joseph Stalin, who consolidates power and becomes a dictator.
Napoleon's ruthless tactics to eliminate rivals and his gradual accumulation of privileges
reflect Stalin's rise to power and his oppressive regime.
Squealer: Symbolizes the Soviet propaganda machine. He manipulates language and
information to justify Napoleon's actions and policies, keeping the other animals in a
state of confusion and subservience.
Boxer: Represents the working class, loyal and hardworking but ultimately betrayed by
the leaders they trusted. Boxer's blind faith in Napoleon and his tragic end highlight the
exploitation of the proletariat under totalitarian regimes.
Benjamin: The cynical donkey represents the skeptical intellectuals who understand the
reality of the situation but feel powerless to change it.
3. Themes
Power and Corruption: "Animal Farm" explores how power can corrupt those who hold
it. The pigs' gradual shift from revolutionary leaders to oppressive rulers demonstrates
how ideals can be compromised by the lure of power.
The Betrayal of Ideals: The novel shows how revolutionary ideals can be betrayed by
those in power. The animals' hopes for a utopian society are crushed as the pigs become
indistinguishable from the human oppressors they overthrew.
The Manipulation of Language: Orwell illustrates how language can be used as a tool
of control. Squealer's manipulative speeches and the altering of the commandments show
how those in power can distort truth to maintain their authority.
Class Struggle: The exploitation of the working class is a central theme. Despite the
promises of equality, the animals end up in a society where some are "more equal than
others," mirroring the class divisions in Soviet Russia.
4. Narrative Techniques
Orwell employs simple, clear prose to make the story accessible and impactful. The use of
animals as characters allows Orwell to explore complex political ideas in a straightforward
manner. The fable-like quality of the story lends it a timeless and universal relevance.
5. Historical Context
Written during World War II and published in 1945, "Animal Farm" reflects Orwell's
disillusionment with the Soviet Union, which had betrayed the revolutionary principles it
claimed to uphold. The novel serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the
corrupting influence of power.
Conclusion
"Animal Farm" remains a powerful critique of political systems where power is concentrated in
the hands of a few. Through its allegorical representation of the Russian Revolution and its
aftermath, Orwell warns of the potential for any revolutionary movement to devolve into
tyranny. The novel's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of themes such as power,
corruption, and the manipulation of truth, making it a timeless commentary on the nature of
political authority.
