animal farm exemplar essay

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Animal Farm Literary Analysis

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

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Power dynamics.

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“Animal Farm” by George Orwell Critical Essay

Introduction.

The book Animal Farm by George Orwell is a satirical piece published in 1945 in England. The book attacks the Soviet communism by use of animal characters in a typical English farm, Manor Farm. The animal characters figuratively represent the leaders of the communist party.

The animals stage a successful revolution that topples the farmer but later, corrupt pigs driven by selfish interests fling the binding principles of Animalism. The book has different meaning to different readers depending on their personal experiences. For a person conversant with the history of the Soviet Union, the book illustrates the communist party rule that followed the revolution of 1917 and now perceived as an oppressive and counter revolutionary force.

A teenager from a war torn country will get the perception that revolutions do not work and absolute power corrupts as seen by Napoleon’s neglect of the seven commandments. In the Animal Farm, the animals toil all year long not for their benefit but for their masters. This is the perception of an employed person who feels that his or her efforts are for the master’s benefit.

The novel is a fable against socialism in the Soviet Union that uses animals as figurations of the Communist Party leaders. The two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, represent the Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky as leaders.

The revolution in 1917 led to establishment of communist new regime headed by Vladimir Lenin. The new communist regime took control of all land and industry from the private sector into government control in order to create a centralized economic system that would put the country on the road to economic success.

However, after Lenin died in 1924, Stalin and Trotsky took control of the Soviet Union. Stalin plots a plan that leads to the exile of Trotsky, a proponent of communism. Just like in the Animal Farm, the struggle for power and influence between Snowball and Napoleon leads to the banishment of Snowball from the farm. After the revolution in the Animal Farm, the animals establish the philosophy of Animalism in order to be different from human beings.

Nevertheless, later after Snowball’s banishment, “the pigs start to walk on their hind legs just as the human does” (Orwell, 1996, p. 121). Stalin just like Napoleon in the Animal Kingdom became dictatorial and neglected the philosophy of communism. He committed acts of brutality towards his perceived political enemies who at the beginning were his confidantes.

On the other hand, the Animal farm represents the current political events of revolution in dictatorship countries like Libya. The book illustrates why and how revolutions take place to remove modern dictatorship. The oppressive rule encourages the revolutionary movement to remove the regime.

The Major incites the revolution by his statements to the loyal and energetic Boxer. “And you, Boxer, the very day that you lose those great muscles of yours and lose their power, Jones will sell you the Knackers, who will cut your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds” (Orwell, 1996, p. 20).

Ironically, Boxer is betrayed not by Jones but by the other animals who take over after the revolution. Revolutions also bring the dilemma of what happens after the removal of the dictatorial regime. A youth living in Libya right now would identify with this book given the recent upspring that seeks to topple Gadaffi’s tyrannical rule.

In the Animal Farm, the animals sacrifices were not rewarded only the masters, the pigs, benefited from the Animals’ hard work. A middle class worker will get the idea that his or her efforts benefit the top leadership in the organization, but not the worker. For example, “all year long the animals worked like slaves…not for the benefit of themselves” (Orwell, 1996, p. 63). This implies that the masters benefitted from the animals’ hard work but the animals without realizing it became the slaves of their masters.

The book Animal Farm by George Orwell represents political satire that has different meaning to various people depending on their personal experiences. Historically, the book represents the Communism history in Russia. The Animal farm also concerns the recent revolutionary political events in many countries and their aftermath of such revolutions to the people’s lives. Hard work by the animals in the Animal Farm is not rewarded instead it is the maters who benefit most; the meaning of the book to a middle class worker.

Orwell, G. (1996). Animal Farm . New York: New American Library.

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IvyPanda. (2018, August 22). "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. https://ivypanda.com/essays/animal-farm/

""Animal Farm" by George Orwell." IvyPanda , 22 Aug. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/animal-farm/.

IvyPanda . (2018) '"Animal Farm" by George Orwell'. 22 August.

IvyPanda . 2018. ""Animal Farm" by George Orwell." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/animal-farm/.

1. IvyPanda . ""Animal Farm" by George Orwell." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/animal-farm/.

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The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’

This essay about George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” analyzes the novel’s exploration of power, revolution, and societal dynamics through the allegory of farm animals overthrowing their owner. It discusses how power corrupts, the challenges of revolutions, and the use of symbolism to reflect social hierarchies. The narrative focuses on the pigs’ rise to power, contrasting characters like Napoleon and Snowball, and the manipulation of projects like the windmill. The essay emphasizes the novel’s relevance to modern governance and the importance of maintaining democratic principles.

How it works

In George Orwell’s seminal novel, “Animal Farm,” we witness a complex narrative that deftly intertwines significant themes about power, revolution, and human nature through a simple allegory of farm animals overthrowing their human owner. What initially unfolds as a straightforward tale of rebellion reveals itself as a nuanced exploration of societal dynamics and governance.

Central to the narrative of “Animal Farm” is a penetrating examination of how power can corrupt. The animals, upon freeing themselves from Mr. Jones’s rule, aspire to create a society of freedom and equality.

Nevertheless, this ideal is quickly undermined by the pigs, led by the astute Napoleon and the idealistic Snowball. Despite beginning with a commitment to Animalism and collective welfare, the pigs increasingly monopolize authority, gradually abandoning their original ideals. Orwell skillfully portrays this corruption through the evolution of the pigs, demonstrating that power can corrupt those with even the most honorable intentions.

The tale also functions as a reflective commentary on the nature of revolutions and the inherent difficulties in achieving lasting change. The initial rebellion symbolizes a universal desire for liberation from oppression. Yet, Orwell adeptly explores how revolutions can falter, illustrating how those in power can manipulate noble causes for personal gain. The pigs use propaganda, quash opposition, and prioritize their interests, echoing tactics of historical totalitarian regimes, thereby illuminating the perils of revolutionary movements that evolve into autocracies.

Symbolism enriches the narrative, with the farm portraying a miniature societal model, reflecting the broader social hierarchies and power imbalances. The transformation of the pigs into tyrannical leaders serves as a powerful metaphor for the deterioration of revolutionary zeal under the weight of power. Napoleon, a figure of despotic control, utilizes deceit, creates a personality cult, and suppresses freedom, mirroring infamous dictators like Stalin and Mao. Through him, Orwell warns of the catastrophic impact of unbridled power and the suppression of individual freedoms.

In contrast, Snowball embodies the passionate spirit of reform and change. His innovative ideas and commitment to Animalism position him as a beacon of hope. Nevertheless, his expulsion by Napoleon underscores the dangers faced by those who challenge authority in despotic systems, where truth is often the first casualty.

The windmill, which Snowball champions as a project to better the animals’ lives, becomes a tool of coercion under Napoleon, reflecting how political projects can be co-opted to serve the elite at the expense of the workers. Its repeated construction and destruction encapsulate the cycle of manipulation and exploitation for political ends.

“Animal Farm” thus remains a profound literary work, shining a light on the shadowy aspects of power and governance. Its portrayal of the manipulation of ideals and the decay of revolutionary fervor provides a compelling warning of the risks of apathy and the necessity of upholding democratic values. As we reflect on its themes, Orwell’s work continues to urge vigilance and advocacy for equity, justice, and liberty in our societies.

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The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/

"The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'." PapersOwl.com , 12 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 10 Oct. 2024]

"The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'." PapersOwl.com, May 12, 2024. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/

"The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'," PapersOwl.com , 12-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/. [Accessed: 10-Oct-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Core Themes and Symbols of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-core-themes-and-symbols-of-george-orwells-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 10-Oct-2024]

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Planning and writing an 'Animal Farm' essay

I can plan and write an extended and developed response to 'Animal Farm'.

Lesson details

Key learning points.

• Reading the question and picking out key words is useful in order to understand its expectations.
• Planning key points helps to create an overarching argument.
• Single paragraph outlines are useful in creating a detailed plan for the main body of an essay.
• Using success criteria is an effective way to help write an essay.

Common misconception

That quotes in essays need to be long and are difficult to remember.

Can you remember anything Boxer says? How about words used to describe characters? Any of the commandments? These are all key quotes.

Hypocritical - To behave in a way that contradicts supposed beliefs or feelings.

Manipulative - To use controlling behaviours to gain power over another or get them to behave in a certain way.

Hierarchy - A system which positions people in relation to status or power.

Dependent - To need the support of someone or something in order to exist.

You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

Content guidance

• Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited ( 2024 ), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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