Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm

George Orwell

Published 1945

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Animal Farm is allegorical satire about the end result of the Russian Revolution and the failures of Communism that filled the vacuum thereafter. 

The animal characters on Manor Farm, inspired by the words of Old Major, revolted against their human owner, Mr. Jones, then chased him off the farm for good, and started anew with fair and equitable commandments for all animals to live by, which in turn promised to bring abundance, peace, equality, and happiness -- an earthly utopia!

All of the animals believed in the success of the farm and were loyal to its ideals; and initially, all went well.  All evidences of humanity were removed and outlawed, and the name of the farm was changed to Animal Farm. All animals were equal. 

Unfortunately for some, as it becomes evident to the reader, all is not well. Or fair. Or equitable. And as the story unfolds, so unravels the truth about Animalism. Some animals began to suspect that something was definitely not fair, yet they remained confused about what it was exactly. They could not put a hoof on it. 

Subtly, one pig, Napoleon, had begun to overtake the majority of animals on the farm. But it was not until another pig, Snowball, did all of the physical work of leading the revolt. Napoleon, who remained in Snowball's shadow for a time, found the right moment to eject him from the farm. He then took his  authoritarian-ship to a new level. A tyrannical one.

Under the dominance of Napoleon, operations on the farm began to de-evolve. Eventually only one group of animals, the pigs, rose superior to all other farm animals. Napoleon also raised all of the pups born on the farm, and they grew up under his command, remaining strictly loyal and protective of him. The dogs also kept the other animals under control. 

Another pig, Squealer, delivered all the propaganda to the other animals. As they questioned truth and expressed concerns, he set their confusion straight. 

Who could tell the difference between a pig or a human?

Eventually the pigs began to do business with the humans of neighboring farms; and before long, one could not differentiate between a pig or a human because Napoleon and the pigs practiced all of the human behaviors that were initially outlawed after the rebellion. 

Even the commandments had gradually changed, and Animal Farm was not different than Manor Farm. By the end of the story, it had been forgotten that "All animals are equal." Instead it is obvious that "Some animals are more equal than others." 

Who is who in Animal Farm?

While reading Animal Farm, it is helpful to have an understanding of the Russian Revolution and a history of Communism. Many of the human and animal characters are significant players in history. 

Some examples: Manor Farm and Mr. Jones are representative of Russia under the Tzar. Napoleon, who is sly and uses threats to gain control, is Josef Stalin. Snowball, who is passionate and intelligent, is Leon Trotsky. Squealer represents how tyrants use language (media) to control others. Old Major is a combination of the voices of Communists Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. 

Also the United States and Britain were represented by Mr. Pilkington from Foxwood Farm; Mr. Frederick on Pinchfield Farm was Adolf Hitler. Benjamin was another important character, a donkey, who remained indifferent throughout the story because he understood that regardless of who was in authority, the lives of the animals would never change. He understood the nature of authority, but regardless, he was unmotivated to speak up or change anything. 

Soap Box

Animal Farm is about human nature. The story is very familiar, even in our own time and place, outside of Russian history and Communism. Perhaps Communism is the natural progression of things when people are convinced that they are oppressed and unhappy and that there is something better. They become discontent and disillusioned and demand more. Goodness knows, there is always someone pitching utopia.

But when the hands of authority change, are they truly better off?  

Now, there is one example in history that comes to mind when this was not the case, and that is the American Revolution of 1775. The results of that Revolution were good because the foundation of the American government was formed with a clear understanding of human nature -- that man is corruptible and cannot be given sole power. But it was also understood that only a moral and religious people could keep this form of government; yet, as a people degenerate into debauchery, selfishness, and ungratefulness, they would lose the Republic. 

This is where we are today in America. We are on the eve of eradicating our Constitution. The fact-checking "Squealer" is now controlled by the authority --  an authority which is no longer of the people, but some unseen power -- not a free media and not a representative government. 

America is fast becoming Animal Farm. Whatever happens: do not be a Benjamin!