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Communism In George Orwell's Animal Farm

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Author George Orwell models a farm of animals after a class system that inevitably exists in which animals fall into stronger and weaker roles and ranks based on their position. In “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, the author allegorically utilizes the animals on the farm to deconstruct the class systems, and show the weaknesses of a communist government. “Animal Farm” by George Orwell allegorically embodies communism throughout the novel with the created concept of animalism. Introduced by one of the main characters Major, the first leader of the animals, when he brought about the plot of equality. During his most influential speech, Major says, “ I merely repeat, remember always your duty of enmity towards Man and all his ways. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. And remember also that in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him. Even when you have conquered him, do not adopt his vices. No animal must ever live in a house, or sleep in a bed, or wear clothes, or drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco, or touch money, or engage in trade. All the habits of Man are evil. And, above all, no animal must ever tyrannise over his own kind. Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers. No animal must ever kill any other animal. All animals are equal.” (Orwell, 3) This monologue in the middle of chapter one, allows the reader to make a connection to communism from the beginning to allow for further understanding. Animalism and Communism share the aspect of “equality” amongst all citizens but in its roots, the idea is flawed in both mind and practice. As mentioned in an article by Occupy Theory, one of the greatest flaws with communism, and as seen in “Animal Farm” as a great obstacle, “ the lower class is unable to question the actions of their superiors, this amount of power tends to corrupt those who have it. The ruling class of communist nations tends to become quite greedy, since there is no way for the classes beneath them to gain insight into how their nation truly works”. It is seen throughout the entire novel of “Animal Farm” by George Orwell that the animals are ignorant to the corruption in their government and the practices they

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