George Orwell’s scathing dystopian novel, Animal Farm, is a poignant warning to all people who desire to live in an inherently free society. Through this novel, Orwell warns about the inherently selfish nature of man and the responsibility of the individual in government. He juxtaposes that, although dictatorial rulers are not inherently corrupt, they will become so if they are not monitored by the people. He also enunciates on the duty of free citizens to take responsibility in government. The first, and most sinister, message represented in Animal Farm is the corrupting influence of power on unchecked dictatorial rulers. He proposes that, although a ruler’s intentions may be altruistic, power will infallibly consume him, resulting
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In Animal Farm, as in the Russian Revolution, an idealistic, classless society is transformed into a barbarous, bloody dictatorship through negligence, apathy, lack of education, and trust on the behalf of the citizenship. In Animal Farm, Orwell uses the animals to show how the Bolshevik leaders were able to seize power so effortlessly. Mollie, representing the self-centered bourgeoisie, will unthinkingly support whichever faction will provide her the luxurious lifestyle she desires. The ignorant sheep, who represent the unschooled masses, blatantly repeat whatever they hear, and put no thought into the matter at hand. The apathetic Benjamin, representing the few who can understand, refuses to speak out, as he feels it will make no difference whatsoever, and prefers to wait for someone else to do so. Also, the likeable Boxer, representing the trusting, hardworking proletariat, is naively trusting in the corrupt leadership, with the slogan “Napoleon is always right” epitomizing his fawning attitude towards government. Orwell, based on his experience witnessing the Russian Revolution, astutely realizes that, while dictators may seize power, it must first be handed to them by the people. Through Animal Farm, he scornfully represents the lack of interest most people show in government, and lectures readers on the duties of citizenship. He points out that the duty of ordinary people in government is to monitor and regulate the government, and also to vocalize their needs and desires. Animal Farm, through its allegorical nature, represents the vital nature of citizens, and education, in
In Animal Farm, as in the Russian Revolution, an idealistic, classless society is transformed into a barbarous, bloody dictatorship through negligence, apathy, lack of education, and trust on the behalf of the citizenship. In Animal Farm, Orwell uses the animals to show how the Bolshevik leaders were able to seize power so effortlessly. Mollie, representing the self-centered bourgeoisie, will unthinkingly support whichever faction will provide her the luxurious lifestyle she desires. The ignorant sheep, who represent the unschooled masses, blatantly repeat whatever they hear, and put no thought into the matter at hand. The apathetic Benjamin, representing the few who can understand, refuses to speak out, as he feels it will make no difference whatsoever, and prefers to wait for someone else to do so. Also, the likeable Boxer, representing the trusting, hardworking proletariat, is naively trusting in the corrupt leadership, with the slogan “Napoleon is always right” epitomizing his fawning attitude towards government. Orwell, based on his experience witnessing the Russian Revolution, astutely realizes that, while dictators may seize power, it must first be handed to them by the people. Through Animal Farm, he scornfully represents the lack of interest most people show in government, and lectures readers on the duties of citizenship. He points out that the duty of ordinary people in government is to monitor and regulate the government, and also to vocalize their needs and desires. Animal Farm, through its allegorical nature, represents the vital nature of citizens, and education, in