The human endeavor is riddled with those lusting for power and a long lasting influence. It is evident in the nature of previous societies that when a certain person or group of people is presented an opportunity, they will seize it. A prime example of this ideology is the rise and fall of Soviet Russia. George Orwell uses Animal Farm to show this through the self-interest of Napoleon and the pigs. In Animal Farm, Orwell portrays how those given ample opportunity will undermine others to become superior, through the constantly changing Commandments, the glorifying of Napoleon, and providing a common enemy for the farm.
Likely the most effective example of self-interest on Napoleon’s part is the adding to of the 7 Commandments to …show more content…
The most obvious of these changes was that of the fifth commandment, stating that no animal is allowed to drink alcohol. Napoleon and the other pigs are very clearly breaking this rule in chapter 9: “It was a few days later than this that the pigs came across a case of whiskey in the cellars of the farmhouse. It had been overlooked at the time when the house was first occupied. That night there came from the farmhouse the sound of loud singing…” (Orwell 111) This is blatant hypocrisy that could cause a revolt among the other animals. It would, after all, be a revolt backed by the ideals of Animalism, and would be justified. However, if these ideals were changed- with careful tactics as to avoid suspicion- Napoleon could use them as an inhibitor to rebellion. This is exactly what he does at the end of chapter 8: “They had thought the …show more content…
He also acts in ways that puts him superior to the other animals, such as his self-glorifying. Every time he creates a new medal of honor, he awards it to himself, such as in chapter 8: “...and that Napoleon had created a new decoration, the Order of the Green Banner, which he had conferred upon himself.” (Orwell 110-111) Napoleon is giving himself these arbitrary awards regardless of whether or not he did anything to deserve them. It is the same for “Animal Hero, First Class” and “Animal Hero, Second Class.” While these decorations may not mean anything in reality, to the animals it is a signal of Napoleon’s strength and bravery. Napoleon is also referred to with higher labels as the novel progresses, such as in chapter 8: “Napoleon was now never spoken of simply as ‘Napoleon.’ He was always referred to in formal style as ‘our Leader, Comrade Napoleon,’ and the pigs liked to invent for him such titles as Father of All Animals…” (Orwell 99) This progression continues through chapter 9: “In April, Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic, and it became necessary to elect a President. There was only one candidate, Napoleon, who was elected unanimously.” (Orwell 118) These labels only further serve the purpose that is to put Napoleon on some sort of pedestal. This makes him metaphorically impossible to reach by the other animals, adding to the physical impossibility due to the
Likely the most effective example of self-interest on Napoleon’s part is the adding to of the 7 Commandments to …show more content…
The most obvious of these changes was that of the fifth commandment, stating that no animal is allowed to drink alcohol. Napoleon and the other pigs are very clearly breaking this rule in chapter 9: “It was a few days later than this that the pigs came across a case of whiskey in the cellars of the farmhouse. It had been overlooked at the time when the house was first occupied. That night there came from the farmhouse the sound of loud singing…” (Orwell 111) This is blatant hypocrisy that could cause a revolt among the other animals. It would, after all, be a revolt backed by the ideals of Animalism, and would be justified. However, if these ideals were changed- with careful tactics as to avoid suspicion- Napoleon could use them as an inhibitor to rebellion. This is exactly what he does at the end of chapter 8: “They had thought the …show more content…
He also acts in ways that puts him superior to the other animals, such as his self-glorifying. Every time he creates a new medal of honor, he awards it to himself, such as in chapter 8: “...and that Napoleon had created a new decoration, the Order of the Green Banner, which he had conferred upon himself.” (Orwell 110-111) Napoleon is giving himself these arbitrary awards regardless of whether or not he did anything to deserve them. It is the same for “Animal Hero, First Class” and “Animal Hero, Second Class.” While these decorations may not mean anything in reality, to the animals it is a signal of Napoleon’s strength and bravery. Napoleon is also referred to with higher labels as the novel progresses, such as in chapter 8: “Napoleon was now never spoken of simply as ‘Napoleon.’ He was always referred to in formal style as ‘our Leader, Comrade Napoleon,’ and the pigs liked to invent for him such titles as Father of All Animals…” (Orwell 99) This progression continues through chapter 9: “In April, Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic, and it became necessary to elect a President. There was only one candidate, Napoleon, who was elected unanimously.” (Orwell 118) These labels only further serve the purpose that is to put Napoleon on some sort of pedestal. This makes him metaphorically impossible to reach by the other animals, adding to the physical impossibility due to the