...AP Literature The classic novel Animal Farm written by George Orwell unravels the story of a group of farm animals who craved freedom from humans. Many of the characters in Animal Farm relate to ideas and people involved in the Russian Revolution such as, Joseph Stalin, Karl Marx and the idea of communism. George Orwell tends to give animals on the farm characteristics of those who lead the Russian Revolution. The novel is simply a reflection of this time period with the twist of the people involved being portrayed as animals instead. George Orwell's novel Animal Farm is directly related to the Russian Revolution in several ways. In the novel Animal Farm, Mr. Jones treats his animals extremely poorly and fails to give them enough food to be healthy (Orwell 18). He is sometimes cruel in which he beats his animals with whips and on the other hand he is sometimes kind by mixing milk into the animals' mash. This relates to Czar Nicholas II of the Russian Revolution. He was a poor leader compared to his western kings and he was sometimes cruel and brutal with opponents, and other times he was kind and hired spies to make money (CITE). Old Major is also a character that can be compared, he taught animalism as Karl Marx had taught and invented communism. Major also spoke of how the animals did all the work while the humans kept all the money and for that reason the animals should revolt against mankind. Marx believed that the workers of the...
Words: 918 - Pages: 4
...How do the Various Animals in Animal Farm Mimic Social Classes or Types Found in Human Society? After reading “Animal Farm” written by George Orwell, I have come to a realisation that it resembles much of the human society. Events from the book resemble greatly what happened during a historical period such as during the Soviet Union. In order to describe the pigs’ dictatorship and the role of the different animals, I will use the example of Stalin’s reign in Russia. Also, I will be describing the roles of the people under Stalin’s dictatorship in comparison to the animals. Starting with the role of old major, followed by the pigs, then the horses, the dogs, Mollie the sheep and Moses the raven. The roles of each animal will be described and then analysed by comparison to the social classes in a dictatorship society. In the beginning of the story of “Animal Farm”, Old Major preached about a dream he had the previous night. It was about a world in which animals lived without tyranny of men, where all animals roamed free as they wished. He described a world which is out of reach for the animals in their current situation. He preached an idealism called Animalism where animals do the work but humans keep the profit made. In animalism, there are no owners, no rich and no poor. Animals get a better life, because without owners, all animals are equal. In addition, every animal owns the farm. They work for themselves in order to get work done within the farm. With a poor leader...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
...novella ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell, it is important to acknowledge the contextual background that inspired it. Orwell personifies many political ideologies as anthropomorphised animals in order to expose the events surrounding Soviet socialism which he presents in the form of a Beast Fable. Napoleon, the main antagonist, can be seen as an allegory of Joseph Stalin, the second leader of the Soviet Union. ‘Animal Farm’ was published in 1945 but follows the events leading to the Russian Revolution in 1917 and also mirrors events in Stalin’s leadership of the Soviet Union. Napoleon’s rise to power can be reflected to the rise to power of Joseph Stalin. A fable can be defined as a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral. Fables can be considered a fixed literary custom. Although Animal Farm is a fable taken from Aesop. La Fontaine, the main influence was 20th Century Russian history and the idea of socialism in one country and Russia’s move to a more...
Words: 414 - Pages: 2
...Animal Farm Questions Chapter 5 18. Make a list of 6 things Napoleon does in this chapter to secure his position as leader of the Farm. Which do you think was the most effective? Napoleon tries to solidify his leadership much like his Russian Revolution counterpart Joseph Stalin does in multiple ways. 1. Napoleon manipulates the animals by talking to them one at a time. He does this early in the book when Snowball is trying to persuade animals to join him on his ideas. Napoleon is a dissenter in the midst who talks individually to get them to see things his way, for example in the case of the windmill. 2. Napoleon also enlists the help of a gifted and crafty speaker on his behalf. This is Squealer. Stalin had Pravda as his mouthpiece in Russia. Napoleon uses Squealer to make great speeches that demonstrate production is better than it was in Jones time by shouting out tons of numbers. 3. Napoleon has Squealer use propaganda. Fear is an emotional appeal used to get the animals to remain faithful to the cause of animalism. The slogan "Four legs good, Two legs bad" unifies the animals against a different enemy. Napoleon uses Snowball almost a scapegoat and they blame everything they do not want to take credit for on him. So if they are stuck in a bad circumstance, Snowball gets the blame. 4.His use of force to maintain order. He used his fierce dogs to scare the animals into submission (compared to Stalin's secret police), and also to protect himself from harm. These dogs...
Words: 1579 - Pages: 7
...on the insights presented in George Orwell allegoric novel “Animal Farm”. Another key to the choice of this idea was the oppression of human rights in society during Stalin´s dictatorship. After researching the history of a single- party state it was found that they failed to remain true to the principles that they proclaimed when they were seeking power. Since this particular topic has already been researched, it is an advantage because it has many resources to investigate, including books, articles, speeches form Stalin, etc. In order to develop this extended essay, it requires a general understanding of Stalin’s dictatorship and the novel “Animal Farm”. Different sources have been consulted that have helped raise awareness about the idea and topic to analyze. b. Justification This extended essay will analyze an important historical fact of Stalin’s dictatorship and some insights presented on the allegoric novel “Animal Farm” by George Orwell; Specifically, the oppression of human rights in society during Stalin’s dictatorship. c. Identification of the problem 1. Definition of the problem: - Comparing and contrasting Stalin’s dictatorship to George Orwell´s allegoric novel to reflect the oppression of human rights in society 2. Delimitation Geographical extent: Russia Temporary extent: 1905 - 1917 Thematic extent: Stalin´s dictatorship portrayed in the allegoric novel “Animal Farm” by George Orwell II. Theoretical Framework * Single...
Words: 556 - Pages: 3
...George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm is about miserable animals on a farm who rebel against their evil owner, Jones, and the pigs gain power, but only to be back where they were and worse. On the surface, Orwell wrote Animal Farm in response to show how others abuse power to the individuals who cannot rebel however, under the surface he refers back to the Russian Revolutionary War. The author’s use of anthropomorphism and common diction lead us to believe he intended the novel to be read by the “everyday man” or lay person. Orwell wrote the text in order to show how, when someone has power, it can be absolute corrupted absolutely. The author uses a detached narrative point of view as they unfold in the story; the text is in third person limited. While he uses several stylistic devices in Animal Farm to achieve his purpose, although the two that impacts his purpose is symbolism and irony. Ultimately, the tone in the narrative shifts from one of hope to one of despair as Orwell leaves his tragic tale of the animals rebellion....
Words: 479 - Pages: 2
... And how it made you understand a theme in the text. Napoleon is a very manipulative, very clever and sly animal character. He changes a lot in terms of his traits and interaction with others throughout the novel. His appearance reflects the changes occurring in his behavior. When Napoleon becomes the sole leader of Animal Farm, he seizes power and becomes more and more like a human. He uses several methods to take and maintain control of the farm. His primary methods are by using fear, by exploiting the animal and by bending the rules. Napoleon uses his intellect to good effect as far as self-interest is concerned. Napoleon instills fear as a way of giving the animal no chance to argue about what he says. This allows him to run the farm in his own manner and gives him a more comfortable life than the other animals. Early on in Animal Farm, Napoleon takes Jessie and Bluebells nine newborn puppies. These puppies become his little army of fear. He uses them to gain power by eliminating his enemies, Snowball "They dashed straight for Snowball...he slipped through a hole in the hedge and was seen no more." Also, Napoleon used the dogs in the public forum he created by setting an example of what would happen to those animals who chose to disobey him. The Russian Revolution is an example that absolute power often corrupts society. In the novel Animal Farm, author George Orwell shows through Boxer’s faithfulness to Napoleon that absolute power can control one’s mind. This...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...George Orwell’s, first highly successful novel, Animal Farm, was published on the heels of World War II. Orwell wrote the book during the war as a cautionary fable in order to expose the seriousness of the dangers posed by Stalinism and totalitarian government. In Orwell’s novel he portrays many World War II leaders through the animals on the farm (GradeSaver 1). In the beginning of the book the readers find out that Mr. Jones, the farm owner is a drunk and does not remember to care for the animals. Then the readers find out that old Major, the prize Middle White boar, had a strange dream that the animals take over the farm a live without humans. Napoleon, a large rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar, is one of the few animals that Orwell uses to portray the leaders from World War II (Animal Farm 35). Throughout the chapters of the novel, Napoleon slowly gains control over the farm by letting Snowball organize things, by helping with little things, and by finally chasing Snowball off the farm. Napoleon slowly takes control over the farm by sitting back at letting Snowball organize things after old Major dies. Shortly after old Major died the animals chased Mr. Jones off the farm. They then burned anything and everything that led them back to Mr. Jones. The next day, after all the animals had woke up, they held a meeting. Snowball says, “Comrades, today we begin the hay harvest. Now comrades, to the hay field!” (Animal Farm 42-43). This is an example of Napoleon letting...
Words: 916 - Pages: 4
...How are the characters in George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’, different and diverse? Difference and diversity refers to the concept that embraces the variety of characteristics in all living things. It is portrayed through species, preferences, religion, culture, race, political beliefs, ideologies and more. In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, difference and diversity can be seen in the character’s species, level of intelligence and their needs. In Animal Farm, the characters are different and diverse as they are of different animal species. In chapter one when all the animals gather to hear Old Major’s dream in the barn, we learn that “First come the three dogs..., and then the pigs..., the hens..., the pigeons..., the sheep and cows..., the two cart-horses..., the white goat..., the donkey..., the brood of ducklings..., the white mare... and last of all comes the cat.” This indicates that there was a wide range of animal species living on Manor Farm (name of the farm given by the human owner) since it is stated early in the book in the opening scene. The variety of animal species on Manor Farm is just one aspect of difference and diversity shown throughout George Orwell’s historical satire. Moreover, difference and diversity is noticeably shown through the different levels of intelligence of the characters in Animal Farm. Two great examples of this are Boxer and Clover. “Those two had great difficulty in thinking anything out for themselves, but having once accepted the pigs as their...
Words: 739 - Pages: 3
...English E.O.C.A The novel “Animal Farm” was written in 1945 by author George Orwell. George Orwell was the pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair, a British writer born in Motihari, India in 1903. After serving in the Indian Imperial Police force, Orwell wrote “Down and Out in Paris and London,” an account of the conditions faced by the poor in France and England. Next, in 1936, he fought in the Spanish Civil War, which was his source of inspiration for “Homage to Catalonia.” After his days in service, he devoted his efforts to speaking out against the domination of one man over another. This is shown in books such asAnimal Farm” and “Nineteen Eighty-Four.” “Animal Farm” takes place in England, on Manor farm (later renamed Animal Farm) in Willingdon. It incorporates all seasons of the year, as it takes place over the course of many years, tracing the lives of all the animals. The point of view in the novel is third person, omniscient. “Animal Farm” is an allegory of the Russian Revolution and the course of communism in Russia and the USSR. The many characters in the book symbolize either one person or a group of people. The pigs represent the communist government and are the ones that become corrupt. More specifically, Old Major is Karl Marx, the “father of communism,” Snowball is Vladimir Lenin and Napoleon is Joseph Stalin. The dogs that Napoleon uses as his personal guards symbolize the KGB, the Soviet Police force. Most of the other characters like Boxer, Clover...
Words: 724 - Pages: 3
...The novel Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, tells a story about the irony of the Russian Revolution-how the people traded one cruel form of government to another. The lives of the animals in Animal Farm symbolize the lives of the Russian citizens before, during and after the revolution. The problem with the government before and after the revolution was corruption. All of the animals ultimately suffer, because of the corruption of the pigs. This essay will cover the people, their actions and decisions throughout the book Animal Farm. Mr. Jones was the owner of Manor Farm; he is cruel to his animals by under feeding them and over working them. During Mr. Jones's rein over Animal Farm the animals felt that they must do something so that they can be free of the Tyrant Mr. Jones. The animals of Animal Farm are symbolically representing the lower class Russian people during the reign of Czar Nicholas II. Mr. Jones was corrupt with power, because he had control over all of the animals. He controlled how much food they received and how much and how hard they were forced to work. The way Mr. Jones controls the animals on the farm parallels how Czar Nicholas II controlled the Russian people. There was an old pig called Old Major, who symbolizes Karl Marx, in that, Old Major convinced all of the animals to rebel. Before the rebellion took place Old Major died, the same as Karl Marx. In the Battle of Cowshed which parallels the Russian revolution, one pig named Snowball stood...
Words: 675 - Pages: 3
...The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is a fictional story based upon animals living on, as you may have already figured out; a farm. The title suggests a basic, if not childish story; but is the complete opposite, giving extensive detail on the Communism government system, as well as giving animals human emotions and characteristics. In Animal Farm, Old Major suggests rebellion, and changing everything on the farm to be equal. Napoleon and Snowball constantly argued over this matter. Napoleon seized power and what was going to be a place of equality became a place where the “lesser” animals were overworked. The socialistic maxim of “all animals are equal” would make an ideal society. It would be effective had it not been for the cruel, megalomaniac Napoleon’s and his fellow pigs’ lust for power and quest to be human. The pigs rank above all other animals on the farm. They are the only ones who make and take away decisions, they show human nature by how they run the farm; almost like a government, with a class system, of the simpleminded animals near and around the bottom of the food chain. One interesting animal; Boxer shows a strong relation to the typical, hardworking, simpleminded human; easy to fool, and easy to manage. Another aspect of human nature shown in Animal Farm is ignorance. This aspect was shown through animals like boxer. When Napoleon took over the farm, Boxer established two maxims, “Napoleon is always right” and “I will work harder”. By Boxer...
Words: 506 - Pages: 3
...Animal Farm is an allegory for the events that took place in Russia between 1917 and 1943 written by George Orwell. This novel refers to the Soviet Union. Some of the main characters played for certain historical figures who stood for communism.This novel is filled with lots of symbolism, In this book, the farm animals rebel once a former pig Old Major,shares a dream he had.Old Major represented Karl Marx and in some ways, symbolized communist leader,Vladimir Lenin. In his dream the animals lived a self sustained lifestyle called ‘animalism’ this was due to their idea that humans consume everything, but produce nothing.Old Major would do anything to accomplish this dream, but Mr.Jones was standing in his way.Soon after, Old Major passes away...
Words: 766 - Pages: 4
...Animal Farm Essay What would a society be like if all of its inhabitants were uneducated? What if no one could make a clear and distinct decision for themselves about what is right and what is wrong? If they allowed a ruler to have absolute control over their future lives and present quality of life, then the ruler would promptly become corrupt from this new overload of authority. An uneducated person is taught how to think whereas an indoctrinated person is taught what to think. There is an unmistakable difference; the ability to formulate one’s own opinion and draw one’s own conclusions greatly influences the structure of any society. George Orwell emphasizes the importance of an education in his allegorical and satirical novel "Animal Farm". The political nature within the book leads to the questioning of propaganda and indoctrination. Readers will recognize after reading the novel that education and who delivers the education are important matters. It is clear that Orwell suggests that the animals within the book do not think for themselves, and only do what they are told too. From the beginning of the novel, readers become aware of educations role in stratifying Animal Farm’s population. Following Old Major’s death the pigs are the ones that take on the task of organizing and mobilizing the other animals because they are “generally recognized as being the cleverest of the animals” (Orwell 35). At first the pigs are loyal to their fellow animals and to the revolutionary...
Words: 940 - Pages: 4
...Farm Animals Mr. Jones- The owner of Manor Farm and a drunk. His animals decided to overthrow him in the Rebellion. When he tries to recapture his property, the animals defeat him, steal his gun, and drive him off again. Mr. Jones ended up dying in a home for alcoholics in another part of the country. Old Major- Old Major- A prize Middle White boar, very wise and his appearance is sharp. Major is highly respected among his fellow farm animals. He is twelve years old , which makes him a senior among the other animals and he also claims to have had over four hundred children. He is the one who calls the meetings and discuss his dreams he has in the first chapter. Major claims to “understand the nature of life on this earth as well as any animal now living” (28). Months after his death, the pigs dug up his skull and placed it at the base of the flagpole beside the gun. Mollie- The white mare that draws Mr. Jones’s trap. Her personality is superficial and adolescent. For example, when she arrives at the big meeting in Chapter 1, Orwell writes, “Mollie … Came mincing daintily in, chewing a lump of sugar. She took a place near the front and began flirting her white mane, hoping to draw attention to the red ribbons it was plaited with” (27). Mollie is the only animal not to fight in the Battle of the Cowshed, instead hiding in her stall. She eventually flees the farm and is last seen, bedecked in ribbons, eating sugar and letting her new owner stroke her nose.. Napoleon- One...
Words: 908 - Pages: 4
