George Orwell’s classic novella, “Animal Farm” is best known as a critique of totalitarianism and communism, told through the story of animals residing on a farm.
The book begins at Manor Farm, where the owner, Mr. Jones is unaware that his animals secretly gather together when night falls. It is in these meetings that the animals become aware of how they are treated unfairly, not just by farmer Jones, but humans in general.
The pigs in particular, become distraught over their lack of autonomy and convince the other animals that they must lead a revolution. They must become independent of Mr. Jones. Through a rebellion, where the animals work together, they gain control of the farm and are able to rule over themselves, with the pigs taking on the leadership roles.
They establish rules, commandments and even a mantra, “four legs good, two legs bad.”
The animals live in peace for a time, but when the pigs descend into tyranny the animals are left with a harsher and more intense dictatorial farm than when they first started. The pigs, considered the most intellectual, unfortunately lack integrity and good moral character.
Moving the goal post became the pigs favorite pastime. After breaking a commandment, they would quietly go in and add a few words to the rule that would suddenly justify and excuse their behavior.
The pigs become more and more human-like. They begin, living in the farm house, wearing clothes and walking on two legs. Then, they suddenly change their mantra; “four legs good, two legs better! All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
This book has faced pushback and banishment since before it was even published. It was banned in the Soviet Union, China, Cuba and even faced school-level challenges in the 1960s in the United States.
While the story is most certainly a critique of communism and tyranny, it is also much more than that. Orwell was not just writing about the Soviet Union. He was writing about the human condition and how far people are willing to go to achieve power over others. How easily a revolution can slip backwards into tyranny over the quest for control. How quickly influence becomes all consuming.
This book is a treasure trove of lessons. It recognizes that even with good intentions, no one is invincible to the pitfalls of power. When Orwell wrote this book he was undoubtedly focused on communism, however like any good piece of writing, its meaning grows and changes with the world.
In the beginning of the first chapter, an old horse named Major, prophesied that animals would one day lead a revolution against man but he carefully advises the animals of one important ideal.
“Remember also that in fighting against man we must not come to resemble him. Even when you have conquered him, do not adopt his vices.”
Edited by Bidhya Sapkota and Anushma Dahal
