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Animal Farm: Orwell's Allegory of Absolute Power

Dive into George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' to uncover the allegory of Absolute Power through a historical revolution narrative shrouded in satire and moral teachings. Discover how Orwell's personal experiences and beliefs shaped this iconic work, reflecting on the failures of revolutions and the corrupting influence of power. Gain insight into the parallels between the characters in the novel and key figures of the Russian Revolution, unveiling the cautionary tale of totalitarianism and the manipulation of the masses. Through Orwell's masterful storytelling, explore the timeless theme that Absolute Power corrupts without exception, resonating with the tumultuous political landscapes of the past and present. Uncover the layers of meaning behind this fable and its relevance in understanding the complexities of power dynamics.

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Animal Farm: Orwell's Allegory of Absolute Power

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  1. George Orwell, The Russian Revolution, and Animal Farm. Take Notes…You’ll Need Them!

  2. Meet George Orwell • “Liberty is telling people what they do not want to hear” - George Orwell • WHAT DOES THIS MEAN…WHAT DOES IT TELL US ABOUT ORWELL’S PERSONALITY? • He was an outsider and took pride in that. • His real name…Eric Arthur Blair...born in 1903 • He wrote poems at an early age to ease his loneliness.

  3. His Mid Years • At 8, Orwell was the poor kid . Hated the Rich/Powerful • Lived in India. Didn’t like British rule there. Spoke against it.

  4. As an Adult… • Communists betrayed him. Distrusted Communists after that. • In Animal Farm, he criticized the Soviet Union as a result of his experience. • Animal Farm published in 1945- Orwell’s feelings of Communism.

  5. A Brief History of Communism in Russia • Mid- 1800’s – Capitalism (If you work hard you can get ahead) • 1847 – Karl Marx – Communist Manifesto: Work according to ability…receive according to need. Economic equality. = Socialists.

  6. Communism Continued • Two Socialist Groups. * Bring about communism slowly through new laws. * Bolshevik Party led by Lenin wanted major revolt. • 1917 –The Bolshevik’s overthrew the Czar. Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin were the leaders. • 1926 – Lenin died. Trotsky and Stalin fought over control. Stalin won. Trotsky was assassinated.

  7. Stalin’s Power • Forced labor created wealth for the limited few…while the life of the common man got worse. • Instead of Communism as Marx envisioned…there came about Totalitarianism (When one party or group has total control of everything).

  8. Animal Farm- The Allegory (Communism) • Farmer Jones’ animals rise up in rebellion and take over the farm. They vow to create a new and more just society. • It is fairy tale AND satire (where a writer attacks a serious issue by poking fun at it) AND allegory (narrative that can be read on more than one level). • It slams world politics and the Soviet Union in particular. • . Characters in novel seem to match historical revolution people… • Napoleon & Snowball = Stalin and Trotsky’s fight over control of Soviet Union. • Old Major – Karl Marx who dies before realizing his dream. • Moses = Russian Church • Boxer & Clover = Communist Believers/Workers • Sheep – General Public • Squealer = Government News Agency • Dogs = Stalin’s military police • Farmer Jones = Czar Nicholas II • Farm neighbors = England and Germany

  9. Animal Farm- Why a Fable? • Orwell once saw a little boy whipping a horse…”It struck me if only such animals became aware of their strength, we should have no power over them, and that men exploit animals in much the same way as the rich exploit the worker.” • The Fable: Teach a moral or lesson about evils of Totalitarianism using animals.

  10. Animal Farm- The Theme • It was Orwell’s belief that Power always Corrupts…so revolutions always fail. • New masters are always corrupted by new power. In other words…the theme is: • ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY

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