George Orwell’s Animal Farm

 George Orwell’s Animal Farm

George Orwell’s Animal Farm

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a widely recognized novel and political satire. It narrates the story of farm animals who revolt against their human owner in pursuit of freedom. While the surface-level narrative contrasts animals with humans, the novel serves as an allegory for significant historical events, particularly the Russian Revolution of 1917. Orwell highlights how noble intentions can be corrupted, exposing human tendencies toward greed and the thirst for power.

Old Major: The Spark of the Revolution

Old Major, a wise and respected 12-year-old boar, is the driving force behind the animals' rebellion. Although he does not live to witness the revolution, his vision and ideals lay the foundation for the uprising. Aware that his time is limited, he gathers the animals to share his dreams of a better future.

The Speech That Inspired Change

One evening, after Mr. Jones, the farm’s owner, retires for the night, the animals assemble in the barn. Old Major begins by describing his vision of a world where animals are free, but first, he addresses their current hardships.

He explains how humans exploit animals, taking their milk, eggs, and labor while offering nothing in return. He points out that once animals are no longer useful, they are discarded or killed. According to Old Major, humans are the primary oppressors of animals.

The Call for Rebellion

To end their suffering, Old Major urges the animals to overthrow humans through rebellion. However, he also warns them to remain united and resist adopting human traits, such as selfishness, cruelty, and greed, once they gain power.

Principles of Animalism

Old Major outlines fundamental principles to guide their new society and prevent future oppression:

• Any creature with two legs (humans) is an enemy.
• Those with four legs or wings (animals) are allies.
• Animals should not live in houses, sleep in beds, wear clothes, consume alcohol, handle money, or engage in trade.
• No animal should harm or dominate another.
• All animals are equal.

These principles become the core beliefs of their movement, later known as Animalism.

A Dream of Freedom

Old Major then shares a dream in which animals live in harmony, free from human control. To inspire his fellow animals, he teaches them Beasts of England, a song from his youth that becomes the anthem of the revolution.

Conclusion

Old Major is a visionary figure who plants the idea of rebellion in the minds of the animals. His speech motivates them to strive for a better future. However, as the story unfolds, Orwell illustrates how power can corrupt, leading to the very oppression Old Major warned against.

Animal Farm is a deceptively simple yet powerful fable that explores the challenges of revolution, emphasizing that the struggle for freedom and equality is complex and fraught with difficulties.