Sentry Page Protection
|
|
TOTALITARIANISM.
Totalitarianism can be seen in the form of governance that existed on Manor Farm, in the form of Mr. Jones' full ownership of the farm, and therefore the animals that inhabited it. As the saying goes, with great power comes responsibility, and Mr. Jones neglected his animals. Evidence of this can be seen in chapter one where the reader learns that Mr. Jones did not manage Manor Farm well, 'his men were idle and dishonest, the fields were full of weeds, the buildings wanted roofing, the hedges were neglected, and the animals were underfed.' (Orwell, 9). Furthermore, he starved his animals for two days, after a drunken binge in the town. This initial totalitarian government was summarily disbanded by the disgruntled animals, based on the fact that Mr. Jones neglected his responsibilities.
Upon ridding themselves of Mr. Jones' neglectful totalitarian leadership, they went under the care of Napoleon's deliberate totalitarian leadership. He very quickly got rid of his only competition, Snowball, and took steps to ensure that a totalitarian government emerged on Animal Farm. Napoleon's attempts at instituting a strong central rule were first seen in his disbanding of the committees and instituting a special committee of pigs that he presided over. This committee would make decisions privately and then (www.bulbsoup.com) communicate these decisions to the populace. This is a repressive act that ensured that the animals had no say in the running of Animal Farm and, therefore their lives because they resided on said farm. He also used his dogs to ensure total submission of the animals because even if they wanted to object to something, one look at the vicious dogs ensured that they did not. Finally, Napoleon's emphasis on training the young, as seen in the case of the dogs, highlights totalitarian tendencies because the young are literally trainable, or can be brainwashed. His success in ensuring that Animal reverted to the totalitarian Manor Farm, is indisputable, as the name change at the end of the novel implies.
Irony highlights the theme of totalitarianism. This is the case because the readers' expectation is that Napoleon would have ensured that Animalism succeeded, after all, it was a belief system for the animals and formulated by an animal. This belief system would have ensured that the animals shared ownership of Animal Farm, as well as ensuring that all resources were (www.bulbsoup.com) distributed equally among the animals on the farm. It is a betrayal, that Napoleon embraces the value system and governance of the former oppressor, Mr. Jones. Under Napoleon's rule, the reader sees Animal Farm slowly revert to Manor Farm in all ways, so much so that not even the animals can remember Animalism or the Revolution clearly:
'Years passed. The seasons came and went, the short animal lives fled by. A time came when there was no one who remembered the old days before
Rebellion, except Clover, Benjamin, Moses the raven, and a number of pigs ... Many animals had been born to whom the Rebellion was only a dim
tradition, passed on by word of mouth, and others had been bought who had never heard mention of such a thing before their arrival.' (Orwell, 50-51)
In fact, by the end of the novel, Clover and some other animals eavesdrop on a dinner that Napoleon is having with the neighbouring farmers and ascertain that Animal Farm is to be renamed 'Manor Farm, 'which, he believed, was its correct and original name.' (Orwell, 56). This is a very strong indication that totalitarianism is the order of the day.
Totalitarianism can be seen in the form of governance that existed on Manor Farm, in the form of Mr. Jones' full ownership of the farm, and therefore the animals that inhabited it. As the saying goes, with great power comes responsibility, and Mr. Jones neglected his animals. Evidence of this can be seen in chapter one where the reader learns that Mr. Jones did not manage Manor Farm well, 'his men were idle and dishonest, the fields were full of weeds, the buildings wanted roofing, the hedges were neglected, and the animals were underfed.' (Orwell, 9). Furthermore, he starved his animals for two days, after a drunken binge in the town. This initial totalitarian government was summarily disbanded by the disgruntled animals, based on the fact that Mr. Jones neglected his responsibilities.
Upon ridding themselves of Mr. Jones' neglectful totalitarian leadership, they went under the care of Napoleon's deliberate totalitarian leadership. He very quickly got rid of his only competition, Snowball, and took steps to ensure that a totalitarian government emerged on Animal Farm. Napoleon's attempts at instituting a strong central rule were first seen in his disbanding of the committees and instituting a special committee of pigs that he presided over. This committee would make decisions privately and then (www.bulbsoup.com) communicate these decisions to the populace. This is a repressive act that ensured that the animals had no say in the running of Animal Farm and, therefore their lives because they resided on said farm. He also used his dogs to ensure total submission of the animals because even if they wanted to object to something, one look at the vicious dogs ensured that they did not. Finally, Napoleon's emphasis on training the young, as seen in the case of the dogs, highlights totalitarian tendencies because the young are literally trainable, or can be brainwashed. His success in ensuring that Animal reverted to the totalitarian Manor Farm, is indisputable, as the name change at the end of the novel implies.
Irony highlights the theme of totalitarianism. This is the case because the readers' expectation is that Napoleon would have ensured that Animalism succeeded, after all, it was a belief system for the animals and formulated by an animal. This belief system would have ensured that the animals shared ownership of Animal Farm, as well as ensuring that all resources were (www.bulbsoup.com) distributed equally among the animals on the farm. It is a betrayal, that Napoleon embraces the value system and governance of the former oppressor, Mr. Jones. Under Napoleon's rule, the reader sees Animal Farm slowly revert to Manor Farm in all ways, so much so that not even the animals can remember Animalism or the Revolution clearly:
'Years passed. The seasons came and went, the short animal lives fled by. A time came when there was no one who remembered the old days before
Rebellion, except Clover, Benjamin, Moses the raven, and a number of pigs ... Many animals had been born to whom the Rebellion was only a dim
tradition, passed on by word of mouth, and others had been bought who had never heard mention of such a thing before their arrival.' (Orwell, 50-51)
In fact, by the end of the novel, Clover and some other animals eavesdrop on a dinner that Napoleon is having with the neighbouring farmers and ascertain that Animal Farm is to be renamed 'Manor Farm, 'which, he believed, was its correct and original name.' (Orwell, 56). This is a very strong indication that totalitarianism is the order of the day.
CORRUPTION.
Corruption is the dishonest or fraudulent actions of people in power. If this is the definition of corruption, then the chief advocate of this concept is Napoleon. The fraudulent and dishonest acts that he commits are brainwashing the young and using them for his takeover of Animal Farm, as seen in his actions of taking the puppies from their mother for 'training'. This resulted in (www.bulbsoup.com) him using the dogs to subdue any animal that did not align with his values, aka Snowball, the hens, and the pigs who admitted to aligning themselves with Snowball. The next act was changing the Seven Commandments to suit his totalitarian needs. The result of this was the gaslighting of animals like Clover, who thought that the commandment said one thing, but then were manipulated, by Napoleon's agent of propaganda (Squealer), to believe that they were wrong. They were convinced, on multiple occasions, that no changes were made to the commandments. Finally, he distributed the resources of the farm unequally, with the pigs getting the lion's share of things like milk. These corrupt acts were done to ensure that Napoleon reigned supreme on Animal Farm.
Juxtaposition highlights the theme of corruption. This is the case because Snowball is a foil to Napoleon. While we can list the corrupt actions of Napoleon, we can list two clearly good things that Snowball brought to the management of Animal Farm in the early days after the revolution. The first thing is that he formed committees so that the views and opinions of the animals could be heard, in contrast to Napoleon's disbanding of these same committees, to ensure that only his desires came to fruition. Secondly, he formulated the initial plans for the Windmill, which was conceived to make the lives of the animals easier. Snowball envisioned (www.bulbsoup.com) that the windmill 'could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electric power. This would light the stalls and warm them in winter, and would also run a circular saw, a chaff-cutter, a mangel-slicer and an electric milking machine' (Orwell, 21). By the end of the novel, Napoleon ensured that this same windmill, which he initially, and stridently, did not support, was used to mill corn, which brought great profits for the pigs to enjoy. This juxtaposition highlights the theme of corruption because it highlights, literally, the results of corruption.
Symbolism highlights the theme of corruption. This is the case because the windmill is a symbol of change, progress, and unity. Change, because the animals would use this tool to create freedom and ease for themselves, in contrast to the totalitarian regime that they were under with Mr. Jones. It represents progress because while it would create ease and less work for them, it also would ensure the efficient production of electricity, which would ensure that Animal Farm can (www. bulbsoup.com) progress and grow. Finally, unity would be achieved because the animals could work together to build the windmill, and in so doing, they would form a bond that would unite all the animals. This symbol of change, progress, and unity was warped by the corrupt mind of one totalitarian leader, Napoleon, who turned the windmill into a vehicle for profit that only the pigs gained from.
Corruption is the dishonest or fraudulent actions of people in power. If this is the definition of corruption, then the chief advocate of this concept is Napoleon. The fraudulent and dishonest acts that he commits are brainwashing the young and using them for his takeover of Animal Farm, as seen in his actions of taking the puppies from their mother for 'training'. This resulted in (www.bulbsoup.com) him using the dogs to subdue any animal that did not align with his values, aka Snowball, the hens, and the pigs who admitted to aligning themselves with Snowball. The next act was changing the Seven Commandments to suit his totalitarian needs. The result of this was the gaslighting of animals like Clover, who thought that the commandment said one thing, but then were manipulated, by Napoleon's agent of propaganda (Squealer), to believe that they were wrong. They were convinced, on multiple occasions, that no changes were made to the commandments. Finally, he distributed the resources of the farm unequally, with the pigs getting the lion's share of things like milk. These corrupt acts were done to ensure that Napoleon reigned supreme on Animal Farm.
Juxtaposition highlights the theme of corruption. This is the case because Snowball is a foil to Napoleon. While we can list the corrupt actions of Napoleon, we can list two clearly good things that Snowball brought to the management of Animal Farm in the early days after the revolution. The first thing is that he formed committees so that the views and opinions of the animals could be heard, in contrast to Napoleon's disbanding of these same committees, to ensure that only his desires came to fruition. Secondly, he formulated the initial plans for the Windmill, which was conceived to make the lives of the animals easier. Snowball envisioned (www.bulbsoup.com) that the windmill 'could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electric power. This would light the stalls and warm them in winter, and would also run a circular saw, a chaff-cutter, a mangel-slicer and an electric milking machine' (Orwell, 21). By the end of the novel, Napoleon ensured that this same windmill, which he initially, and stridently, did not support, was used to mill corn, which brought great profits for the pigs to enjoy. This juxtaposition highlights the theme of corruption because it highlights, literally, the results of corruption.
Symbolism highlights the theme of corruption. This is the case because the windmill is a symbol of change, progress, and unity. Change, because the animals would use this tool to create freedom and ease for themselves, in contrast to the totalitarian regime that they were under with Mr. Jones. It represents progress because while it would create ease and less work for them, it also would ensure the efficient production of electricity, which would ensure that Animal Farm can (www. bulbsoup.com) progress and grow. Finally, unity would be achieved because the animals could work together to build the windmill, and in so doing, they would form a bond that would unite all the animals. This symbol of change, progress, and unity was warped by the corrupt mind of one totalitarian leader, Napoleon, who turned the windmill into a vehicle for profit that only the pigs gained from.
LANGUAGE AS POWER.
This theme looks at how language is used to manipulate the animals on Animal Farm. Napoleon used Squealer as his agent of propaganda. Each time Napoleon made a decree, he sent Squealer to 'explain' the changes to the animals. For example, when Squealer was asked to explain why the committees were disbanded, this is his response:
'Comrades ... I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. Do not imagine, comrade, that leadership is a pleasure! On the contrary, it is a deep and heavy responsibility. No one believes more firmly than Comrade
Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where would we be?' ( Orwell, 23).
The first manipulation of language is seen in the use of the term 'comrade'. This term implies that everyone is on equal footing and the result is a feeling of safety on the part of the receiver of the speech. He then makes it appear as if Napoleon is sacrificing his time and effort in taking on the 'extra labour' of chairing the committee. The result is that he comes across as a selfless 'saviour figure', doing his best with the burden of helping his 'comrades'. He is then careful to reiterate that Napoleon believes that all animals are equal, it is just that, in his capacity (www.bulbsoup.com) as saviour, he can make better decisions than them. He continues this rhetoric of the pigs as selfless saviour in many of his speeches, for example, 'Comrades!... You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole objective in taking these things is to preserve our health... We pigs are brain-workers' (Orwell, 15-16).
Diction, or the use of words, highlights the theme of language as power. Squealer uses specific words to elicit very specific responses. For example, the use of the word 'comrade', at the beginning of every speech, ensures (www.bulbsoup.com) that the audience is calm, feeling safe and equal to the speaker. He also asks rhetorical questions. This is a useful tool that is used to ensure that the audience of animals believes that their opinions are important, but in reality, Squealer does not require them to answer.
This theme looks at how language is used to manipulate the animals on Animal Farm. Napoleon used Squealer as his agent of propaganda. Each time Napoleon made a decree, he sent Squealer to 'explain' the changes to the animals. For example, when Squealer was asked to explain why the committees were disbanded, this is his response:
'Comrades ... I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. Do not imagine, comrade, that leadership is a pleasure! On the contrary, it is a deep and heavy responsibility. No one believes more firmly than Comrade
Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where would we be?' ( Orwell, 23).
The first manipulation of language is seen in the use of the term 'comrade'. This term implies that everyone is on equal footing and the result is a feeling of safety on the part of the receiver of the speech. He then makes it appear as if Napoleon is sacrificing his time and effort in taking on the 'extra labour' of chairing the committee. The result is that he comes across as a selfless 'saviour figure', doing his best with the burden of helping his 'comrades'. He is then careful to reiterate that Napoleon believes that all animals are equal, it is just that, in his capacity (www.bulbsoup.com) as saviour, he can make better decisions than them. He continues this rhetoric of the pigs as selfless saviour in many of his speeches, for example, 'Comrades!... You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole objective in taking these things is to preserve our health... We pigs are brain-workers' (Orwell, 15-16).
Diction, or the use of words, highlights the theme of language as power. Squealer uses specific words to elicit very specific responses. For example, the use of the word 'comrade', at the beginning of every speech, ensures (www.bulbsoup.com) that the audience is calm, feeling safe and equal to the speaker. He also asks rhetorical questions. This is a useful tool that is used to ensure that the audience of animals believes that their opinions are important, but in reality, Squealer does not require them to answer.
POWER + AUTHORITY.
Power and authority are seen in the dichotomy between the leaders of Animal Farm and the other animals who inhabit it. The pigs, for example, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer have all the power. They ensured their place in the social hierarchy by formulating the Seven Commandments, from Old Major's Animalism. They then, initially, executed it but it was corrupted when Snowball was expelled from Animal Farm. The push was then to build a totalitarian society, with Napoleon at the helm. His power (www.bulbsoup.com) and authority were cemented by his propaganda agent, Squealer, who smoothed over every autocratic decision that he made, on behalf of the animals. So, eventually, Napoleon held all the power. On the other hand, the animals eventually had no power. They were repressed by Napoleon's dogs and could not communicate their discontent with not receiving milk and apples, or the suspected constant changing of the seven commandments. The heights of the animals' powerlessness were seen in the death of Boxer. He was simply sent off to be slaughtered, without the knowledge of the animals. They were powerless in the face of the powerful ruling pigs.
Irony highlights the theme of power and authority because one would expect Napoleon to be loyal to the animals based on the fact that he is an animal himself. This was not the case, however, because he felt no remorse at repaying Boxer's blind loyalty with an eternal visit to the glue factory. In fact, the disloyalty of the pigs - specifically Napoleon and (www.bulbsoup.com) his propaganda agent, Squealer - is seen when they boldly lie to the animals by telling them that Boxer died at the hospital, praising Animal Farm. Boxer's death is symbolic of the death of Animalism, of the idea that all animals are equal and should care for each other 'All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.' (Orwell, 6). Irony, therefore, highlights the theme of power and authority because the readers' expectations of loyalty, on the pigs' part, are dashed in the face of selfishness that culminates in a totalitarian government, for Animal Farm. Old Major's dream was crushed.
The juxtaposition of the powerlessness of the animals and the power of the pigs highlights the theme of power and authority. This is the case because there is a clear division in the power structure, which is the very opposite of Old Major's dream. Old Major desired that the animals work together, equally, to rid themselves of man, because at no point must he resemble Man, 'Whatever goes upon two legs, is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend ... in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him ... All habits of Man are evil.' (Orwell, 6). The fact that Napoleon brokers deals with the farmers and does everything to look like them, even (www.bulbsoup.com) walking on his hind legs, culminating in mimicking Mr. Jones' totalitarian government, is a contrast to Old Major's teaching. This deviation from Old Major's teachings leads to the inequality in the power/ political structure of Animal Farm, which highlights the theme of power and authority.
Power and authority are seen in the dichotomy between the leaders of Animal Farm and the other animals who inhabit it. The pigs, for example, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer have all the power. They ensured their place in the social hierarchy by formulating the Seven Commandments, from Old Major's Animalism. They then, initially, executed it but it was corrupted when Snowball was expelled from Animal Farm. The push was then to build a totalitarian society, with Napoleon at the helm. His power (www.bulbsoup.com) and authority were cemented by his propaganda agent, Squealer, who smoothed over every autocratic decision that he made, on behalf of the animals. So, eventually, Napoleon held all the power. On the other hand, the animals eventually had no power. They were repressed by Napoleon's dogs and could not communicate their discontent with not receiving milk and apples, or the suspected constant changing of the seven commandments. The heights of the animals' powerlessness were seen in the death of Boxer. He was simply sent off to be slaughtered, without the knowledge of the animals. They were powerless in the face of the powerful ruling pigs.
Irony highlights the theme of power and authority because one would expect Napoleon to be loyal to the animals based on the fact that he is an animal himself. This was not the case, however, because he felt no remorse at repaying Boxer's blind loyalty with an eternal visit to the glue factory. In fact, the disloyalty of the pigs - specifically Napoleon and (www.bulbsoup.com) his propaganda agent, Squealer - is seen when they boldly lie to the animals by telling them that Boxer died at the hospital, praising Animal Farm. Boxer's death is symbolic of the death of Animalism, of the idea that all animals are equal and should care for each other 'All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.' (Orwell, 6). Irony, therefore, highlights the theme of power and authority because the readers' expectations of loyalty, on the pigs' part, are dashed in the face of selfishness that culminates in a totalitarian government, for Animal Farm. Old Major's dream was crushed.
The juxtaposition of the powerlessness of the animals and the power of the pigs highlights the theme of power and authority. This is the case because there is a clear division in the power structure, which is the very opposite of Old Major's dream. Old Major desired that the animals work together, equally, to rid themselves of man, because at no point must he resemble Man, 'Whatever goes upon two legs, is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend ... in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him ... All habits of Man are evil.' (Orwell, 6). The fact that Napoleon brokers deals with the farmers and does everything to look like them, even (www.bulbsoup.com) walking on his hind legs, culminating in mimicking Mr. Jones' totalitarian government, is a contrast to Old Major's teaching. This deviation from Old Major's teachings leads to the inequality in the power/ political structure of Animal Farm, which highlights the theme of power and authority.
|
BEAST OF ENGLAND
|
THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS
|
NAPOLEON'S COMMANDMENTS
|
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
