“Animal Farm” by George Orwell is a dystopian novella that satirically explores the dynamics of power and corruption through the allegory of a farm run by animals. Published in 1945, this political fable is set on a fictional farm where the animals, tired of the oppressive rule of their human owner, revolt and establish a government of their own. The novella falls within the genre of political satire, heavily critiquing the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union under Stalin. Themes of power, corruption, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of tyranny are central to the narrative, making “Animal Farm” a timeless commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism.

The story of “Animal Farm” starts with Old Major, a wise and elderly boar, who gathers the animals of Manor Farm to share his vision of a society free from human oppression. Old Major’s speech, laden with revolutionary fervor, plants the seeds of rebellion in the hearts of the farm animals. He introduces the idea that humans are the root of all their suffering and that animals could achieve utopia if they overthrew their human masters. His powerful message resonates deeply, particularly with the pigs, who are recognized as the most intelligent of the animals. Old Major’s speech can be seen as a call to action, embodying Marxist ideology.

Memorable Quote:
“All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.” – This line encapsulates Old Major’s fundamental belief, which will become the foundation of the animals’ rebellion and the Seven Commandments that will later govern Animal Farm.

After Old Major’s death, the pigs, particularly Snowball and Napoleon, take charge and begin planning the revolution. Their efforts culminate in a successful rebellion against Mr. Jones, the drunken farmer who owns Manor Farm. The animals seize control, and the farm is renamed “Animal Farm,” symbolizing the dawn of a new era. They establish a set of rules called the Seven Commandments, which are meant to ensure equality and justice for all animals. These commandments include ideals such as “All animals are equal” and “No animal shall kill any other animal.”

The rebellion marks the beginning of the animals’ quest for self-governance, but it also foreshadows the challenges that come with maintaining their newfound freedom.

In the aftermath of the rebellion, Snowball and Napoleon emerge as the leaders of Animal Farm. While Snowball is more innovative and charismatic, focusing on education and infrastructure (such as the windmill project), Napoleon is more cunning and power-hungry. This difference in leadership styles leads to increasing tension between the two pigs.

Napoleon, seeking to consolidate power, uses fear and manipulation to undermine Snowball. He trains a litter of puppies in secret, turning them into his loyal enforcers. When the time is right, Napoleon unleashes these dogs to chase Snowball off the farm, thereby eliminating his rival. With Snowball gone, Napoleon assumes total control, rewriting history to paint Snowball as a traitor and taking credit for all of Snowball’s ideas.

Memorable Quote:
“The only good human being is a dead one.” – This quote, attributed to Snowball, is later used by Napoleon to justify his increasingly brutal policies and to vilify Snowball after his expulsion.

Napoleon’s rise to power is marked by the gradual erosion of the principles of Animalism. The pigs begin to indulge in the very vices they once condemned in humans. They move into the farmhouse, start drinking alcohol, and trade with humans, all while justifying their actions by subtly altering the Seven Commandments. The commandment “No animal shall sleep in a bed” becomes “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets,” highlighting the pigs’ growing hypocrisy.

As Napoleon’s rule becomes increasingly authoritarian, the initial ideals of the rebellion are systematically dismantled. The pigs, now fully entrenched in power, exploit the other animals, who work harder than ever while receiving less food. The construction of the windmill, initially Snowball’s project, becomes a tool of manipulation. Napoleon uses the windmill to keep the animals distracted and to rally them around a common goal, even though it brings little tangible benefit to their lives.

The pigs’ corruption is further illustrated through their dealings with humans, particularly Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington, the neighboring farmers. Napoleon sells timber to Mr. Frederick, only to be cheated with counterfeit money. This betrayal leads to an attack on Animal Farm, resulting in the destruction of the windmill. Despite this setback, Napoleon uses propaganda to maintain control, claiming victory even in the face of obvious defeat.

Throughout this period, the pigs continue to alter the Seven Commandments to suit their needs, culminating in the ultimate betrayal of the animals’ trust. The commandment “All animals are equal” is eventually changed to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” symbolizing the complete corruption of the revolutionary ideals.

Memorable Quote:
“Four legs good, two legs bad.” – This slogan, originally a simple rallying cry for the animals, is manipulated by the pigs to serve their agenda. By the end of the novella, the pigs are walking on two legs, fully adopting the behaviors of the humans they once overthrew.

As time passes, the distinction between the pigs and the humans becomes increasingly blurred. The pigs begin to resemble humans in both behavior and appearance, engaging in activities such as gambling and drinking. The final chapter of “Animal Farm” sees the pigs hosting a dinner party with the neighboring farmers, where they openly discuss exploiting the other animals for profit.

During this dinner, the other animals observe through a window, horrified to see that they can no longer tell the difference between the pigs and the humans. The animals realize that their revolution has not brought about the promised utopia but has instead led to a new form of tyranny, one that is even more oppressive because it is disguised as freedom.

The novella ends on a bleak note, with the animals resigned to their fate, powerless to change their circumstances. The cycle of oppression has come full circle, and the once-hopeful revolution has been reduced to a distant memory.

Specific Example:
The pigs’ transformation into humans is symbolically completed when they start walking on two legs, violating one of the core principles of Animalism. This moment underscores the theme of betrayal and the inevitable corruption of power.

One of the central themes of “Animal Farm” is the corruption of ideals. The novella illustrates how the noble ideals of the revolution are gradually eroded by the very leaders who were supposed to uphold them. The Seven Commandments, initially meant to ensure equality and justice, are repeatedly altered to justify the pigs’ increasingly oppressive behavior. This theme serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which revolutionary ideals can be corrupted.

Propaganda plays a crucial role in Napoleon’s consolidation of power. Squealer, Napoleon’s spokesperson, is adept at using language to manipulate the other animals. He twists facts, rewrites history, and uses fear to keep the animals in line. Orwell’s portrayal of propaganda in “Animal Farm” reflects the real-world use of media and language to control public perception, particularly in totalitarian regimes.

The cyclical nature of tyranny is another key theme in “Animal Farm.” The novella suggests that revolutions, no matter how well-intentioned, can often lead to a new form of tyranny that mirrors the old. The animals’ journey from oppression under Mr. Jones to oppression under Napoleon illustrates the idea that without vigilance and accountability, power inevitably corrupts, and history repeats itself.

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell is a powerful allegory that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power. Through the story of the animals’ failed revolution, Orwell critiques the Soviet Union and, more broadly, the nature of political power. The novella’s themes of corruption, propaganda, and the cyclical nature of tyranny remain relevant today, serving as a timeless reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of oppression.

The critical reception of “Animal Farm” has been overwhelmingly positive, with the novella being praised for its sharp political commentary and its ability to distill complex historical events into a simple, yet profound, narrative. Its relevance extends beyond the context of the Soviet Union, offering insights into the nature of power and the importance of holding leaders accountable. As a result, “Animal Farm” continues to resonate with readers and remains a cornerstone of political literature.