Animal Farm
It has been widely acknowledged that George Orwell wrote Animal Farmwith the express purpose of indicting Communism as a solution to socialproblems. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union it can, therefore, beargued that the work has lost its relevance, except perhaps, as achildren's fable. To write the novel off in such a fashion would, however,be a mistake because a closer examination of the plot structure and thecaricatures of various characters will reveal that the work has a timelessrelevance. Indeed, if one were to disregard any preconception that AnimalFarm should be interpreted as a satire on Communist Russia, it can beargued that the novel's main purpose is to highlight the negative effectsof power structures in terms of suppressing and exploiting the weakersections of society. The abuse of power, as a central theme, is especiallyapparent in the manner in which the characters of Boxer and Mollie areportrayed. Although the two possess diametrically opposite personalities,they share one thing in common and that is, they both reveal an inherentweakness, which ends up being exploited by the powers-that-be. Thus, it canbe said that the characters of both Boxer and Mollie are used by Orwell
But, instead, he chooses tofurther mirror real life by demonstrating how people in power can evenexploit the death of someone. She appeared to be enjoyingherself. Orwell could well have closed thechapter on Boxer's part of the story here. Indeed, the animals at thefarm learn that she was spotted pulling a cart, her coat "newly clippedand. Boxer is the archetype of the hard working laborer who dreams of abetter future for himself and the community he lives in. Perhaps this is why it is Boxerwho elicits the maximum sympathy from all the readers of Animal Farm. This is true of human society everywhere, whichis why Animal Farm can be said to be a satire on the limits and controlthat society, imposes on an individual's liberty. However, Orwell does notmerely stop at that. Thus, reflecting on the fate of Boxer and Mollie, it is apparent thatthe presence of power structures in society end up depriving individuals oftheir right to liberty, happiness, and life, especially when they arevulnerable to exploitation. 113-116) If the power hungry Napoleon and his pigs take away Boxer's freedomto live a life of dignity in his old age, they equally deprive Mollie ofthe right to her individuality and happiness. Boxer's exploitation by the pigs-in-power also serves to suggest thatOrwell was perhaps making a comment on the fact that generosity, devotion,and a desire for harmony will always be manipulated and exploited byvarious power factions of society to serve their own purpose.
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Acceptance Essays
