Author

George Orwell

Synopsis

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a satirical novella that allegorically critiques the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism under Stalin. The story is set on a farm where the animals, tired of being exploited by their human owner, Mr. Jones, stage a rebellion to create a society where all animals are equal. Led by the pigs, especially Napoleon and Snowball, the animals initially succeed in establishing their own rule. They adopt the principles of Animalism, with the central commandment: "All animals are equal." However, as time passes, the pigs begin to consolidate power, manipulating the other animals and rewriting the commandments to suit their own desires. Napoleon gradually eliminates his rivals, most notably Snowball, and uses propaganda, lies, and intimidation to maintain control, with the help of a loyal pig named Squealer. The farm deteriorates into a dictatorship, where the pigs enjoy privileges while the other animals work harder under increasingly harsh conditions. The once-promised equality disappears, and the pigs become indistinguishable from the humans they replaced, as the final commandment changes to: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Animal Farm is a powerful critique of how power corrupts and how revolutions can be betrayed by their leaders. It remains relevant as a warning against the dangers of authoritarianism and political manipulation.

Original year

1944

Estimated Read Time

2 - 3 hours

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