Essay On Symbolism In George Orwell's Animal Farm

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George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a dystopian novella in which Joseph Stalin’s position of power and the Russian Revolution is allegorized using anthropomorphism of farmyard animals, symbolizing that power could corrupt unintentionally in a unique and distinctive manner. How can symbolism be used to convey the corruption within the farm? Throughout the novel, a distinct theme shows how being in a position of power can corrupt an individual’s ideals; no matter their initial and perhaps honorable intentions. This is showcased by Orwell’s usage of pigs as leaders of the animal farm. They start off with noble intentions: to overthrow the oppressive leadership and control of the farmer, so that ultimately all animals on the farm can become equals. However, as time goes on, the pigs’ ideals gradually become more corrupt and twisted, eventually adopting their harsh farmer’s behavior and principles. This paper will discuss the symbolism in Animal Farm. It will address its identification and portrayal, whilst also looking at the reasoning behind why some of the symbols were chosen; as well as the importance of symbolism in the development of the story and its themes. Through analysis of the themes in the book, different reasons as to why some symbols and representations were used will be explored. It is hoped that this paper will help students better …show more content…

John Molyneux, a leading member of the Socialist Workers Party, writes in “Animal Farm Revisited” that he believes that the political meaning and significance of Animal Farm greatly outweighs the artistic importance of it. The fact that Animal Farm was so critical of the Soviet Union and its oppression made it difficult for Orwell to find a publisher willing to take his controversial novel; this was made worse by the fact that he was in London at the time, and the Soviets were allied with Britain in the war against

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