preview

Ignorance In George Orwell's Animal Farm

Decent Essays

In the novella Animal Farm by George Orwell, the overworked animals of an English farm revolt against their cruel master in order to escape the chains of confinement, and commence to create their own ideal Utopia. Divided by levels of education, the pigs are able to use their advanced knowledge to their benefit to manipulate and take control of the farm, eventually turning into the same ruler their previous owner was. The animal’s ignorance allows the pigs to gain authority and exploit vice on the farm, ultimately leading the animals to a life of misery. Unable to understand the reality behind the pig’s rules, the animals are easily manipulated into believing information that is not true, while prompting them into a life of misery. After …show more content…

After the pigs move into the farmhouse, the animals become confused, since they remember strict rules against any animal using a human luxury. To prevent rebellion, Squealer uses his superior knowledge to his advantage, and convinces the animals, not only that this would be beneficial for the pigs, but also for the animals and their well-being on the farm: “Squealer was able to convince them that this was not the case. It was absolutely necessary, he said, that the pigs, who were the brains of the farm, should have a quiet place to work in”(79). Not only do the pigs just work in the farmhouse, but they begin to eat and sleep where Mr. Jones once did. This comes to a shock to the animals, which is quickly relieved by Squealer, who convinces them that in order for the farm to run smoothly, the pigs must have a better living condition than the rest of the animals. As the animals work long and strenuous hours, they notice the absence of the pigs in the workfield: “Neither pigs nor dogs produced any food by their own labor; and they were very many of them, and their appetites were always good”(129). The only work the pigs ever do, is find ways to obtain more food for themselves, and less for the animals. By taking the food that the animals produce, the pigs are becoming reflections Mr. Jones. However, this time, the animals are convinced into thinking that what the pigs are doing is the right

Get Access