03/08/2025
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell, first published in England in 1945 under the pen name Eric Blair, stands as a seminal work of political satire and allegory. This novella, which uses the narrative of farm animals overthrowing their human master to establish a society based on equality, has been extensively analyzed for its depiction of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era. 🐖📚👏 The story begins with the animals of Manor Farm, inspired by the pig Old Major’s vision of a world free from human oppression, staging a rebellion against their owner, Mr. Jones, who symbolizes the Tsarist regime. They establish Animalism, a system mirroring communism, with the pigs taking leadership roles. Key characters include Napoleon, representing Joseph Stalin, and Snowball, representing Leon Trotsky, with Boxer, the hardworking horse, embodying the exploited working class. The narrative traces the pigs’ gradual corruption, culminating in a society where "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," a direct critique of the Soviet Union’s transformation under Stalin. The allegory is rich with historical parallels: the Battle of the Cowshed reflects the Bolshevik Revolution, and Napoleon’s expulsion of Snowball mirrors Trotsky’s exile and eventual assassination in 1940, following the power struggle after Lenin’s death in 1924. Notably, Lenin is not directly represented, which some critics have pointed out as a gap, given his pivotal role in the revolution. Symbols like "Beasts of England" (akin to The Internationale), the seven commandments, and the green flag with a hoof and horn (mirroring the hammer and sickle) reinforce the political commentary. The novella’s themes of power, corruption, and the corrupting influence of ideology are central to its enduring appeal. It critiques not just Stalinism but any system where power is concentrated. The book's portrayal of how power corrupts, as seen with the pigs' transformation into tyrants, mirrors the actions of many contemporary leaders who promise change but later consolidate power. For example, it reflects concerns about populist leaders prioritizing personal gain over public good. The manipulation of language and propaganda in "Animal Farm," such as altering the Seven Commandments, resonates with today's issues of misinformation and fake news, especially in the digital age where social media can amplify false narratives. The book's exploration of class struggle and economic inequality, highlighted by the line "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others," reflects ongoing issues like wealth disparities and social injustice, which are prevalent in today's society.
