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In this essay, you will present a thesis that presents a theme from your novel study book and explains how that theme is developed. Keep in mind that a theme is a message or lesson about life conveyed in a work of literature. (For example, “Love” is not a theme. A specific lesson a story teaches us about love would be a possible theme.)
Once you have developed your thesis, state it in a complete sentence. Your thesis statement should appear at the end of your first paragraph. In the rest of your essay, you will make arguments in support of your thesis, using evidence from the novel. The essay should be 500-1000 words in length.

Your final essay should include five paragraphs. However, your rough draft for the CBA can be three paragraphs:

Introduction
Begin your essay with a hook to engage your reader.
Summarize your novel’s plot, characters, and setting.
Your thesis statement on the theme of the novel.
Body Paragraphs
A paragraph explaining the plot’s contribution to the theme
A paragraph explaining the characters’ contribution to the theme
A paragraph explaining the setting’s contribution to the theme.
(These are possible suggestions. Your body paragraphs might instead focus on symbolism over setting for example. Each body paragraph should include at least one direct quote or detailed summary from your novel that helps explain how the theme is developed.)
Conclusion
Restatement of thesis and key points.
Explain how the theme relates to your own life or society.

Provide a clear summary of the novel in your introduction. Who are the main characters, the setting, and the primary conflict?

Elaborate on the details and the importance of the windmill. This might be a good time to add another direct quote from the book.

Consider how you can make a stronger connection between the theme and events that are happening currently or have taken place in the past. Give specific examples of how we see power corrupting in our own world.


Would you ever want to know how power can be corrupted? Animal Farm is a novel that explains just that! Animal Farm, by George Orwell, tells the story of a group of farm animals that overthrow their human farmer, Mr. Jones, in hopes of creating a society where they can be free and equal. The main characters include the pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, who lead the rebellion, as well as Boxer, a hard working horse, and Squealer, Napoleon's right hand man. The story is set on a farm in England, and it represents how power can corrupt those who seek it. The primary conflict arises when Napoleon and Snowball disagree on how to run the farm, leading to a struggle for control. Eventually, Napoleon's thirst for power leads to the betrayal of the other animals and the establishment of a dictatorship. This story serves as a warning about how easily freedom can be taken away and how those in power can become corrupt.

The plot is about the animals’ dreams of gaining their freedom and turning the farm into a society, but when they overthrow the humans out of the farm, the dream later falls apart. The farm arose into a dictatorship and the pigs, mainly Napoleon, took control of both the animals and the farm. The pigs, who were the leaders of the farm, changed the rules of animalism, which were to ensure freedom and equality, to benefit them more “equally” than the others. A famous line illustrates this change: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This change in the rules show how those in power can twist words and principles to keep control. The plot teaches us how dreams and intentions can quickly corrupt into dictatorship and when power isn’t in check.

The characters in the book show how quickly power and control can corrupt freedom and ruin equality. Napoleon the pig, who serves as the main villain, represents how power corrupted a revolutionary hero into a cruel tyrant ruling all the other animals and using them as tools. Boxer, for example, was a loyal worker towards Napoleon who worked day and night for him. When he was sold into a glue factory, it was shown to be the ultimate betrayal for the revolution's goals. Squealer, Napoleon’s right hand man (or pig) also highlights this theme. He lies to the other animals to keep control over the farm such as Snowball, Napoleon's rival, was working for the humans the whole time and Boxer's death. He even changed the rules to manipulate the other farm animals from being suspicious. Through these characters, Orwell shows that the thirst for power can corrupt those who once fought for equality, creating a border between leaders and their followers.

The setting of Animal Farm shows the process of how power turns the farm from a symbol of freedom to a place filled with fear and oppression under Napoleon’s rule. An example of this is the windmill. The windmill in Animal Farm starts as a symbol of hope and cooperation among the animals, representing their dreams of a better life where they work together for the common good. However, as time goes on, it becomes clear that the pigs, especially Napoleon, are the ones truly benefiting from the windmill, while the other animals only get more tired and less satisfied with their lives. The animals work harder than ever, believing that the windmill will improve their lives, but instead, it just enhances the pigs' power. As Orwell writes, "But somehow neither the words nor the tune ever seemed to the animals to be as inspiring as they had been before." This shift reveals how the early excitement and hope slowly fade into despair as the animals realize their dreams are slipping away, showing how easily hope can turn into hopelessness when power is misused.

In summary, George Orwell's Animal Farm powerfully shows the theme of how power can corrupt through its engaging plot, their intriguing characters, and its meaningful setting. The slow destruction of the animals' original dreams serves as a strong warning about the dangers of dictatorship and the corruption of power. The theme of power corrupting is still very relevant today, and we can see this in many events happening around the world. For example, in some countries, leaders gain power by promising freedom and equality, but once they are in control, they often restrict people's rights instead. This is similar to how the pigs in Animal Farm started with good intentions but became just like the humans they overthrew. Another example is big corporations that prioritize profits over the well-being of their workers, often leading to unfair treatment and inequality. Additionally, social media can spread misinformation that influences people's beliefs and can give power to those who use it for their own gain. In summary, we must stay aware of those who are seeking power and to protect our rights, dreams, and freedom from those who want control.

did i do a great job

Answers

Answered by GPT-4o mini
You've done a solid job presenting your essay on *Animal Farm* and crafting a clear argument around the theme of how power can corrupt. Your structure is logical, and you effectively address the plot, characters, and setting while supporting your thesis with relevant evidence from the novel. Here are some specific words of praise and suggestions for improvement:

### Strengths:
1. **Clear Thesis:** Your thesis statement is clearly articulated at the end of your introduction, setting the stage for your analysis.
2. **Use of Evidence:** You incorporate quotes and direct references from the book that effectively support your points. For example, the quote about animals being "more equal than others" strongly illustrates the theme.
3. **Character Analysis:** You've provided thoughtful insights into the characters, particularly Napoleon and Boxer, effectively showing how their actions highlight the theme of corruption.
4. **Relevance to Society:** Your conclusion connects the themes in *Animal Farm* to contemporary issues, which demonstrates a deeper understanding of the novel's significance.

### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. **Introduction Hook:** Consider beginning with a thought-provoking question or a powerful statement about power and corruption to engage your reader more effectively.
2. **Transitional Phrases:** Use transitional phrases between paragraphs to enhance the flow of your essay. This will help guide the reader through your arguments more smoothly.
3. **Detailed Summary:** While the summary is solid, consider including more details about the conflict between Snowball and Napoleon, as it is a central aspect of the plot that contributes to the theme.
4. **Detailed Explanation of the Windmill’s Symbolism:** You mention the windmill but could elaborate more on its significance, both initially and after it becomes a symbol of betrayal.
5. **Conclusion Strengthening:** In your conclusion, try to make more explicit connections between the theme and modern events or personal experiences. This will enhance the essay's relatability and impact.

### Overall Impression:
You've effectively articulated a compelling argument about the theme in *Animal Farm*, and with a few enhancements, your essay could be even stronger. Great work so far, and keep refining your analysis!

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