"Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell is an allegorical novella that reflects the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the early years of the Soviet Union. The plot revolves around a group of farm animals who, dissatisfied with their oppressive human owner, Mr. Jones, decide to revolt and take over the farm, aiming to establish an egalitarian society where all animals are equal.
Key Plot Points:
-
The Revolution: The animals of Manor Farm, inspired by the teachings of a pig named Old Major, unite to overthrow Mr. Jones after a meeting where Old Major advocates for rebellion against human oppression. The animals successfully expel Mr. Jones and rename the farm "Animal Farm."
-
Establishing the Principles: The animals adopt the Seven Commandments of Animalism, which promote the idea that all animals are equal and should work together for the common good.
-
Leadership and Corruption: The pigs, being the most intelligent animals, assume leadership roles. Two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, emerge as rivals for control over the farm. Snowball focuses on improving the farm through projects like a windmill, while Napoleon is more interested in consolidating power.
-
Betrayal of Ideals: Napoleon expels Snowball from the farm using trained dogs and begins to manipulate the other animals. He gradually alters the commandments to justify the pigs' privileges and actions. The Seven Commandments are subtly changed to benefit the ruling elite.
-
Increasing Oppression: As time goes on, the pigs become more like the humans they initially overthrew. They engage in trade with humans, which goes against the original ideals of Animalism. The other animals work harder, but their conditions do not improve, and they are increasingly indoctrinated.
-
Final Transformation: The pigs begin to walk on two legs, wear clothes, and even adopt human behaviors, fully embracing the power structures they had once opposed. The final commandment is altered to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," signifying the complete betrayal of the revolution’s ideals.
Conclusion:
The story ends with the animals looking through the farmhouse window, unable to distinguish the pigs from the human oppressors. This final scene encapsulates the themes of the novella: the corrupting influence of power, the cyclical nature of oppression, and the failure of revolutions when ideals are abandoned.
Overall, "Animal Farm" serves as a powerful critique of totalitarianism, political corruption, and the disillusionment that can arise from revolutionary movements.
1 answer