Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a political allegory written by George Orwell in 1945. It tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owner, hoping to create a society where all animals are equal, free, and happy. However, their revolution gradually turns into a dictatorship, mirroring the corruption and oppression of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.

Plot Summary

The novel begins on Manor Farm, where the animals, led by the wise old pig Old Major, are inspired to revolt against their owner, Mr. Jones, after he neglects them. Old Major shares his dream of an animal-run society free from human tyranny. He teaches them a song, Beasts of England, which becomes the anthem of their movement. Soon after, Old Major dies, and the animals-led by two intelligent pigs, Snowball and Napoleon-successfully overthrow Mr. Jones and rename the farm Animal Farm.

The pigs, being the most intelligent animals, take charge. They establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, which include "All animals are equal." At first, the farm prospers under Snowball's leadership, with improved productivity and education efforts. However, Napoleon, who is power-hungry and cunning, raises a group of attack dogs and uses them to drive Snowball away. Napoleon then declares himself the sole leader and slowly begins to alter the rules to his benefit.

Under Napoleon's rule, the pigs enjoy privileges while the other animals work harder for fewer rewards. The commandments are secretly changed to justify their actions. Napoleon uses propaganda, spread by the pig Squealer, to convince the animals that everything is for their own good. For instance, when the pigs move into the farmhouse and start sleeping in beds, the commandment "No animal shall sleep in a bed" is changed to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets."

Napoleon also begins trading with humans, something the revolution originally opposed. He executes any animal suspected of disloyalty and spreads fear to maintain control. The hardworking horse, Boxer, is the most dedicated follower of the revolution, believing in the motto "Napoleon is always right." However, when he becomes too old to work, Napoleon betrays him by selling him to a glue factory, rather than allowing him to retire in peace.

The farm continues to decline while the pigs become more like humans, walking on two legs and wearing clothes. The final commandment is changed to: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." The novel ends with the other animals watching as the pigs and humans celebrate together, unable to tell them apart.

Themes and Symbolism

Orwell's Animal Farm is a critique of totalitarianism, particularly Stalinism. The pigs represent Soviet leaders (Napoleon as Stalin, Snowball as Trotsky), while the other animals symbolize different social classes. The story illustrates how power corrupts and how revolutions can lead to new forms of oppression.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Animal Farm serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and political manipulation. Orwell highlights how ideals can be distorted by those in power, leaving ordinary citizens (or animals) in a cycle of exploitation and suffering.