preview

George Orwell's Animal Farm

Decent Essays
Open Document

In George Orwell’s book Animal Farm, which is an allegory of the Russian Communist revolution that occurred in the early XX century, is narrated the establishment and evolution of a totalitarian system which is ruled by the pigs, under the supreme control of Napoleon, corresponding to Stalin in the Soviet context. The dictatorship is based on manipulation, corruption, propaganda, fear, and violence. The initial, pure idea of “animalism” turns into a strict ruthless regime where a restricted number of animals enjoys the results of the hard work and sacrifices of others. The situation portrayed in the book clearly reflects the social-economic status that characterised Russia during and after the Red Revolution. After Lenin’s death, Stalin …show more content…

Until his death, Boxer is a blind supporter of the revolution and Napoleon; he was naive and lacked of critical thinking and therefore followed and conformed himself to everything was established, even if to more critical eyes, like Benjamin’s, it was evidently unjust. “Boxer, who had now had time to think things over, voiced the general feeling by saying: 'If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right.' And from then on he adopted the maxim, 'Napoleon is always right,' in addition to his private motto of 'I will work harder’.” (G. Orwell, Animal Farm, V). In these lines is perfectly reflected Boxer’s attitude not to question or complain; his behaviour allows Napoleon to takeover the farm and the …show more content…

Especially at the end of the book we notice how, along with new and exponentially unfair policies, the sheep start intoning repetitive anthems in support of Napoleon, like a mass of brainless followers. In chapter 10, when the animals raised a protest because the pigs engaged themselves in human behaviours and began walking on two legs, we read at some point: “But just at that moment, as though at a signal, all the sheep burst out into a tremendous bleating of ‘Four legs good, two legs better! Four legs good, two legs better! Four legs good, two legs better!’” (G. Orwell, Animal Farm, X) . The sheep are essential for Napoleon and his dictatorship to succeed. They're dumb followers who go along with the crowd. All they can do is chant simple and repeatable slogans that can be easily manipulated. In other words, whatever side you're on: if you can chant it at a rally, it's probably not a well-thought out political

Get Access