Animal Farm

Summary

«Animal Farm» is an allegorical novel by George Orwell that tells the story of animals rebelling against their owner, leading to the creation of an egalitarian society. Soon, internal conflicts arise within the new society, during which the pigs gradually seize power, becoming indistinguishable from humans. The novel serves as a satire on totalitarian regimes, particularly Stalinism. The story illustrates how the ideals of a revolution can be distorted when transitioning to power and how any power structure tends to gravitate towards the absolutization of power.

Main Ideas

• Critique of totalitarian regimes through an allegory of the Soviet Union
• Dangers and consequences of power, corruption, and class discrimination
• The idea that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely
• Depiction of changes in revolutionary ideals that ultimately lead back to the starting point
• Highlighting the theme of altering history and propaganda in the interests of the ruling class
• A warning that a new regime can be worse than the previous one if power is concentrated in the hands of a few

Main Characters and Their Development

• Napoleon — one of the two leaders of Animal Farm after the revolution. Over time, he becomes a dictator, using force and propaganda to consolidate his power.
• Snowball — the other leader after the revolution. Initially fights for better conditions for all animals but is eventually forced out by Napoleon, who accuses him of treachery.
• Boxer — a large working horse, symbolizes the working class. Known for his incredible strength and endurance, but his gullibility and lack of critical thinking lead to his tragic fate.
• Clover — another working horse, a friend of Boxer. She is also hardworking but begins to realize with age that the ideals of the revolution have been betrayed.
• Mollie — a vain mare who loves beauty and comfort, leaves the farm in search of a better life.
• Benjamin — a donkey, the oldest animal on the farm. Skeptical of the revolution and changes, he prefers to keep his opinions to himself. Represents pessimism and critical thinking.

Interesting Facts

• The book is an allegory of events that took place in Russia in the early 20th century, including the October Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Soviet Union.
• The characters in the book represent historical figures: for example, the pig Napoleon symbolizes Joseph Stalin, while Snowball represents Leon Trotsky.
• The book was banned in the USSR and other communist countries due to its criticism of totalitarianism.
• Orwell used animals to illustrate human vices and political manipulations, making the book accessible to readers of all ages.
• The phrase «All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others» has become a well-known expression symbolizing hypocrisy and double standards.

Book Review

George Orwell's «Animal Farm» is a powerful political allegory that exposes the mechanisms of totalitarianism and corruption. Critics note that Orwell masterfully uses animal imagery to show how revolutionary ideals can be distorted and betrayed. The book is written in a simple yet expressive language, making it accessible to a wide audience. Special attention is given to the characters, who embody various types of people and political figures. Critics also emphasize the work's relevance despite its historical context, as themes of power, betrayal, and manipulation remain timeless. «Animal Farm» is often seen as a warning about how easily freedom and equality can be lost if society is not vigilant.