Summary Of Orwell's Animal Farm

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Orwell’s allegorical novella, Animal Farm, parodies the characters and events within the Russian Revolution by exploring different attitudes and experiences of power in totalitarian regimes emerging in Europe during the early 20th century. The novella uses satire to examine different responses to leadership as well as exploring the ways in which those who do not possess power are the ones who are the most burdened. Orwell’s novella also demonstrates that “It is when power is wedded to chronic fear that it becomes formidable.” (Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State of Mind, 1954.)
The ruminative Animal Farm novella captures many diverse responses to power through two characters, Napoleon, the Berkshire Boar and Clover, the Stout Motherly Mare. Napoleon the Berkshire Boar embodies an exaggerated omnipotent and utterly corrupt opportunist who stops at no expense to secure his well-being. He can be conceived as a dominating, scheming and backstabbing ruler whose eminence models the trifling number of people in society who lead ruthlessly. Napoleon announces a ‘voluntary’ (Pg. 44) work on Sunday afternoons, though ironically ‘any animal who absented himself had his rations reduced by half.’ (Pg. 44) Napoleon is exhibited with a false portrayal of generosity here and it is further empathised the selfish, unsympathetic nature in which his leadership consists. He later becomes extremely conceited, enforcing the inferior animals to call him ‘leader’ and only emerging in a ‘ceremonial manner’ with a private ‘escort.’ (Pg. 56) In sheer contrast, Clover’s response to power is passive, loyal and naive in that she continues to support the totalitarianism system even while she remembers glimpses of the better past. Clover serves as an allegory for ...

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...on and intimidation which leaves the other animals ‘shaken’ and ‘miserable.’ (Pg. 62) The dogs serve in exchange for luxuries symbolized by treats and comfortable bedding in the farmhouse.
Orwell’s satirical novella against the corruption of power is epitomized through the greed, naïve and passive responses to power characterised by Napoleon, the pigs and the farm animals. Animal Farm’s satirical purpose resonates strongly with modern readers. It not only models the events during the Russian Revolution, but also those of Communist China led by Chairman Mao from 1949 to 1976. Napoleon’s character replicas the dictatorial and oppressive rule exhibited by Communist leader Chairman Mao and as on the farm, leaders of the Communist appropriated for themselves the same special privileges formerly exercised by their predecessors quite alike the pigs in Animal Farm.

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