Ideas Of Totalitarianism In George Orwell's Animal Farm

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Georgia Fort
Animal Farm

"Animal Farm is optimistic about socialism but cannot show it operating effectively". Discuss.

Throughout George Orwell's Animal Farm he highlights how conflict between corrupted leaders and the society can end in totalitarianism due to selfishness and the hunger for power. "All animals are equal" in Old Major's ideal society - as with socialism; however due to a self centred mind and demoralisation the ideas of socialism cannot operate effectively as "some are more equal than others". As the fable is an allegory of the Russian Revolution, Orwell instructs that corruption can happen in any revolution. One of the themes throughout the text that exposes the oppression in totalitarian societies is corruption.

Socialism is the theory of everyone being equal in a society which Orwell introduces by the concept of "animalism" although throughout Animal Farm Napoleon's determination for power over rights the original idea of animalism resulting in totalitarianism. In the beginning of the novella Old Major presents his idea of the humans, Mr Jones in particular, treating the animals poorly. He explains that all animals are equal and the humans possess traits that are seen as evil such as wearing clothes and drinking alcohol. He introduces the 'Beasts Of England' song to the animals which encourages equality and …show more content…

Orwell's intention for writing Animal Farm was to show the possible outcomes and consequence of a revolution. In particular the author focuses on the Russian Revolution as George Orwell satirises the Russian political system and he is also critical of Joseph Stalin.
Orwell is hopeful for a society that is peaceful and equal but he highlights the determinants that can get in the way of socialism such as ignorance and ambition. Socialism is shown as "animalism" in the text but it does not operate

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