Book Review: Animal Farm by George Orwell

There’s a revolution brewing at Manor Farm. It isn’t among jealous family members or disgruntled work hands. No, the desire for change is alive and well in the hearts and minds of the farm’s animal population. Angered at their continual mistreatment at the hands of humans, the assorted pigs, horses, sheep, and other four-legged beasts band together in mutiny, rising up en masse to overthrow their oppressors.

Old Major, a prize boar, inspires the mutiny, telling his fellow farm animals about a dream he had in which all animals were united in peaceful harmony, living above the rule of foolish humans. He teaches them “Beasts of England,” a stirring anthem proclaiming the glories of a utopian animal society. After Old Major’s death, the song becomes a rallying cry, and the animals won’t rest until they bring their departed friend’s vision to fruition.

The revolution itself is surprisingly easy. The animals catch the humans off guard, driving them from the farm with little difficulty. Their dream realized, the animals must now learn how to live in freedom. Napoleon and Snowball, two prominent pigs, emerge as leaders, instructing the others how to best run the farm and setting down seven key commandments that all animals must follow.

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

7. All animals are equal.

The principles of Animalism are certainly noble, but idealism is a harsh mistress. Power corrupts. The swine soon begin placing themselves above the other animals, who don’t seem to mind, since they all respect the pigs’ intelligence and trust their judgement. But Napoleon and Snowball have opposing leadership styles. Napoleon is a strict, no-nonsense kind of pig, a true proponent of “might makes right.” Snowball, on the other hand, is more innovative in his thinking, willing to embrace new methods and philosophies. When Snowball devises a plan to power the farm with a windmill, Napoleon is quick to criticize. The resulting schism alters the course of Animal Farm, transforming it from utopian paradise to nightmarish hell.

Written in 1945, “Animal Farm” is Mr. Orwell’s comment on political oppression, particularly under communist regimes. The story is based on the Russian Revolution of 1917. In February of that year, Tsar Nicholas II, his power weakened by years of political and social unrest, abdicated the throne, bringing an end to the Russian monarchy. A provisional government was established, but it soon fell prey to the October Revolution, led by Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik supporters, which established the Communist Party. After Lenin’s death, Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin emerged to fill the leadership void. The brutal Stalin would eventually undercut the visionary Trotsky, heralding a harsh new era of communist oppression.

Orwell uses a simple fairy tale to illustrate the complexities of the Russian revolution in order to make the evils of communism painfully apparent. Farmer Jones, the original owner of Manor Farm, represents Nicholas II. The animals are, of course, the impoverished Russian people. It’s Farmer Jones’ negligence and incompetence that lead to the animal uprising, much as the Russian proletariat banned together to oust the tsar.

Old Major, whose dream sparked the revolution, symbolizes Lenin. Napoleon is Stalin; Snowball is Trotsky. Each animal on the farm represents a different portion of the Russian populace. For example, Boxer, a powerful cart horse, embodies the Russian workers, eager to please but lacking the intelligence to see the truth. Boxer’s two mantras are “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.” Every event on the farm parallels a moment in Russian history, from the animals’ courageous defense of their freedom against returning farmers to Napoleon’s methodical brainwashing of his loyal followers.

While the Russian Revolution is the tale’s foundation, Orwell’s deft handling of the material allows it to be applied to almost any human endeavor involving power, politics, and persuasion. It’s a frightening portrayal of corruption and greed, warning about the dangers of becoming what we most hate.

I first read “Animal Farm” back in grade school. In the 17 or so years since, the book’s message has never left my soul, and its closing image, depicting pigs in a sickeningly human guise, remains as powerful as any I’ve encountered in literature. It kind of makes you see Arnold Ziffel in a whole new light.