The main aim of Marxism is to bring about a classless society. Thus the reason I chose to study George Orwell's Animal Farm is because its characters share (originally) this same ambition. Animal Farm represents the oppressed masses rising up and forming a `classless' society of their own. While offering a critique of communism in general, the book also serves to act as a mirror of Soviet Russia under Stalin. As reflected throughout the text, it was no secret Orwell considered Russia, and consequently Communism, a counter-revolutionary force that would inevitably become corrupted by greed and power. Indeed, perhaps in order to go further in offering a Marxist reading of the text, it is necessary to pass judgement on the author and the epoch in which the book was written. In doing so, I hope to show just how progressive (or anti-progressive) the book is.
From almost the very beginning of this book it possible to see Orwell's criticism of Karl Marx, displayed through `Old Major'. Many of the characters in the book symbolize real political figures. `Old Major' is very much like Karl Marx, at times he appears single minded and unrealistic. Before his death `Old Major' gave an unwavering speech stating no animal should ever "touch money, or engage in trade" . This is clearly a direct criticism of Karl Marx's naivety, as shown later through Orwell's narration:
Never to have any dealings with human beings, never to engage in trade, never to make use of money - had these not been among the earliest resolutions passed at the first triumphant meeting when Jones was expelled?
It soon becomes clear that `Animalism' (which bears a striking resemblance to communism) is a system that cannot be maintained the way originally intended. ...
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...historical moment in time, I believe that a Marxist would see Orwell as a product of the society in which he was raised, and therefore the book becomes the `bi-product'. Too add weight to this argument, the dominant ideologies at work at the time the book was written suggest Orwell had capitalist ideals at heart.
However, George Orwell was an active socialist. He did strongly oppose the views of Karl Marx and was not impressed with the idea of communism, but he was equally opposed to the idea of capitalism. Therefore I believe that Animal Farm should not be regarded as the `bi-product' of the distinctly capitalist society Orwell was a part of. Instead I argue that Animal Farm is the consequence of such a system in which Orwell was expected to conform. This would perhaps explain why it took so long to get published; society (capitalists and Marxists) was weary.
The point Orwell is trying to get across is that this mistreatment of the working class is not tolerable and must be disbanded (121). His solution to the problem is Socialism. He wants to show that a Socialist society can be implemented globally and benefit especially the lower classes. The problem he faces is that Socialism is quickly being phased out of the conversation and being replaced by the likes of Fascism (171). He is convinced that a Socialist movement is inevitable and a “historic necessity” (172). One problem he addresses is the correlation in the minds of the people to Socialism and Communism (175). While Communism is about control over the people, states Socialism is about justice, liberty, and receiving better wages for fewer hours while having no one bossing you around (176). Orwell even goes to the extent of saying that Fascism is a product of Communism (187). The biggest point Orwell attempts to give in my opinion is that there is no way the ideals he seeks (mentioned before as justice, liberty, etc.) cannot be achieved without a Socialist movements he calls “progress” (214). The “progress” he speaks of includes the de-centralization of power in the class system and the progression of machines and other means
This goes on to support the answer to the question, “How successful was Orwell in fusing ‘political purpose and artistic purpose into one whole’ into his novel Animal Farm?” was exponentially successful by bypassing the stereotype, as I mentioned before. In closing, even though he was using many tactics for his writing, the use of allegory to create a model of the Russian Revolution is simple enough where the “everyday” man is able to read this as well as understand
“George Orwell: A Life.” Readings on Animal Farm. Ed. Terry O’Neill. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1998. Print.
George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm is a great example of allegory and political satire. The novel was written to criticize totalitarian regimes and particularly Stalin's corrupt rule in Russia. In the first chapter, Orwell gives his reasons for writing the story and what he hopes it will accomplish. It also gives reference to the farm and how it relates to the conflicts of the Russian revolution. The characters, settings, and the plot were written to describe the social upheaval during that period of time and also to prove that the good nature of true communism can be turned into something atrocious by an idea as simple as greed.
This is a remarkable book of objective description as well as of rhetoric. While he does have a bias, he is still able to recognize points on either side. Orwell had the rare courage to overcome centuries of class prejudice to live among and respect the people his peers could casually dismiss. He shows us the role that the middle class play in creating these deplorable conditions. He shows us that every privilege, and attitude that the middle class have, is a direct result, of the exploitation of the working class; and their deplorable
George Orwell is considered to be one of the most creative and expressive political writers of the twentieth century, particularly for his views opposing communism and totalitarian regimes famously expressed in his novel, 1984. Orwell perceived communism as, “A new, dangerous form of totalitarianism, a powerful tool for controlling the masses.” Orwell’s hatred towards communism began with communist leader, Joseph Stalin whom he referred to as, “a bloody-minded master” (Rossi 1). Orwell’s views solidified during his participation in the Spanish Civil War; throughout his experience, Orwell was subject to communist propaganda, which led to his distrust of authority and established hatred of fascist and communist governments (Rossi 2). Orwell’s views, along with his participation ...
And he debates that the end of the Cold War is “an ideal context for a reassessment of Orwell 's political ideas” (Newsinger ix). Newsinger gives us a map of Orwell 's intellectual terrain, and deftly orientates the reader around the key Orwellian debates which run around the idea of war and revolution against inequality and dictatorship. He examines how Orwell 's politics developed in a changing world. Newsinger 's argument is that, although Orwell 's politics shifted throughout his lifetime, the one constant was his unwavering socialism. What detractors - and even some admirers - have missed is that he never ceased to write from within the left, attacking the betrayal of the revolution rather than the revolution
‘Animal Farm’ is a novel written by George Orwell and is an allegory for the 1917 Russian Communist Revolution. Orwell allegorizes the revolution by comparing individuals or groups of people with animals. ‘Animal Farm’ depicts a story of a group of animals revolting against their cruel dictator only for him to be replaced by another. Orwell’s views on many political issues, especially issues surrounding communism, are made clear in the novel. Some big issues addressed are; Fraud, tyranny and the compliance of the populace. Orwell’s views on all of these are negative and there are many clear examples in ‘Animal Farm’.
George Orwell had gotten the idea of Animal Farm by watching someone whip a cart horse. When he saw this it made him think of the working class, the people that have been treated horribly by Capitalist Governments with long hours and low wages. Animal Farm was written to be an example of how Totalitarianism destroys human dignity. It wasn’t just about Stalin, but about all dictators.
Based on the two essays, George Orwell is a vivid writer who uses a unique point of view and strong themes of pride and role playing to convey his messages. His writings are easy to pick out because of the strengths of these messages. Just like politicians in government, people with power turn corrupt to stay in power and keep their reputations. Anyone who takes on power must be prepared to live with the consequences of his actions. Orwell knows this challenge well and conveys this principle in his writing. After all, his narration is based on real life experiences and not fictional fantasies.
Some legislators use this capability to rule others in order to have an acceptable and united community. As for others, they do not value the potential of the power that they have. In reference to Russian Revolution, most of the leaders took advantage of the domination that they had in name by using proletariats to work hard and claim their success which is relevant to George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Animalism in the novel is attained after several rebellions have been made however, the bottom line of animalism by far neglected due to conflicts that occurred between the animals within the farm. The downfall of Animal Farm reflects to Napoleon’s greed to take over the farm that resulted to his motive to corrupt the power within their society, neglected the purpose of animalism by taking advantage from the other animals, and oppression and inequality between the animals and Napoleon and his
George Orwell’s Animal Farm was published in August 1945. This novel was the author’s satirical take on equality and governing leaders in which farm animals live free from their human master and his tyranny. In fact, Orwell wrote Animal Farm as an allegory where his goal was to depict the Russian Revolution as one that resulted in a more totalitarian and corrupt government than the one it overthrew. One of the ways he illustrates this was through anthropomorphism. Orwell utilised metaphorical characters that were reflections of significant persons in the Russian Revolution to express the kind of people those of the Russian Revolution were. Through these metaphorical characters, George Orwell had impacted the
...re breaking every rule that they themselves had put forth in accordance with Old Major’s revolutionary vision. Animal Farm was a mirror image of communism gone awry in the Soviet Union. It also shows Marx’s naivety of the fact that there will always be the clever that take advantage of the ignorant. By keeping the population ignorant, the clever gain even more power, which is was happened in the Soviet Union and Animal Farm. The ones that took part in the revolutions would never realize that they were holding the short end of the stick, just as they were in their previous state of affairs. They were cold, miserable, and starving. In their brainwashed state they still believed that the dismal state they were in was better than their situation before the revolution. George Orwell finished his book on a somber note, the state in which Joseph Stalin left the Soviet Union.
Animal Farm, a novella by George Orwell, tells the tale of the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm, who after much oppression from their master, take over the farm for themselves. In the beginning it seems like the start of a life of freedom and plenty, but a ruthless and cunning elite emerges and begins to take control of the farm. The animals find themselves ensnared once again as one form of tyranny gradually replaces the other. The novella is a critique of revolutionary Russia and idealism betrayed by power and corruption. Orwell uses allegory between Animal Farm and the Soviet Union to highlight the corruption of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union, the power of language and propaganda, and the dangers of a naive working class.
George Orwell investigated themes of power, totalitarianism and leadership in relation to Marxist theories throughout his novels yet seemed to direct them at a range of audiences. Investigate the extent to which Orwell alters his communication of the lies he wishes to expose and how they are conveyed to the reader through literary devices.