Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm is, quite simply, one of the best and most powerful books ever written. It is a genuine masterpiece that quickly hooks the reader from the very beginning. It’s an extremely easy read. Orwell displays keen observation on how a corrupt government sucks all the energy and life of a country. The book is greatly inspired by real events that went down during the era of communism in Russia, using animals as the actual people. While it helps to know about that time period, the book is written so well that it is easily understood even if you only know a little about what happened during that time. But for starters this interpretation may be helpful:- Jones:= The Aristocracy; The Old Major:= Lenin; Napoleon:= Stalin; Snowball:= Trotsky; Squealer:= Beria?; Boxer:= The male Peasants; Dolly:= The female Peasants; The Pigs:= The Communist Party; The Dogs:= The NKVD; The Sheep:= The Army; The Raven:= The Clergy; The Donkey:= The Intellectuals; The Windmill:= Stalin’s Five year plans; Frederick`s Farm:= Germany; Pilkington Farm:= The West & The Counterfeit Money:= The Molotov-Rippentrop Pact.
Russia may have been the starting point, but in truth the parable of Animal Farm can be applied to any culture where political leaders manipulate the public through a mixture of unreasonable hope, media “spin,” and irrational fear to remain in power. Animal Farm is a strong and effective warning not just against communism but also against political deception and political power games of an absolute power nature and totalitarianism in general. Definitely a good read, open to interpretation. Read it for the story, the deeper message, the humor, or for whatever reason. Animal Farm will not fail to amuse.This is my favorite allegory and the best political satire I’ve ever read.

Advertisement