Animal Farm
George Orwell's Animal Farm is a political satire of a totalitarian society ruled by a mighty dictatorship, in all probability an allegory for the events surrounding the Russian Revolution of 1917. The animals of "Manor Farm" overthrow their human master after a long history of mistreatment. Led by the pigs, the farm animals continue to do their work, only with more pride, knowing that they are working for themselves, as opposed to working for humans. Little by little, the pigs become dominant, gaining more power and advantage over the other animals, so much so that they become as corrupt and power-hungry as their predecessors, the humans. The theme in Animal Farm maintains that in every society there are leaders who, if given the opportunity, will likely abuse their power. The book begins in the barnyard of Mr. Jones' "Manor Farm". The animals congregate at a meeting led by the prize white boar, Major. Major points out to the assembled animals that no animal in England is free. He further explains that the products of their labor is
Slowly, Napoleon gets a stronger and stronger hold over the other animals, dominating their every action. The book ends with the pigs sitting at a table, eating with humans. As with all societies, the animals have laws which must be obeyed. Jones' house, sleeps in his bed, and even wears his clothes. In order to make his actions appear legal, the law had to be interpreted differently, which Napoleon arranged. Unfortunately, as with the pigs, power corrupted and the people were then oppressed by their "comrades" under the new communist government. The humans in the story represent the Russian royal family and aristocracy, tyrants who abused their power with no regard for the peasants who, in essence, supported their royal lifestyle. Days later Major dies, but the hope and pride which he gave the other animals does not die. Napoleon announces to those around the table that the name "Manor Farm" will be reinstated. At this point we begin to suspect that the pigs will abuse their positions and power in this animal society. Jones tries to reclaim his power but the animals prevent him from doing so in what they call "The Battle of the Cowshed". The old boar tells them that the source of all their problems is man, and that they must remove man from their midst to abolish tyranny and hunger. After the rebellion, under the direction of Napoleon, the most outspoken pig, and Snowball, the most eloquent pig, the animals continue to work the farm successfully. In defiance of the original laws, Napoleon befriends Mr.
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