“Animal Farm” by George Orwell is a timeless masterpiece that expertly mixes political allegory and humor. This 1945 novella is still a potent attack on authoritarianism and a biting observation of how corrupting power is. Here, we’ll be learning more about this classic in more detail.
Orwell cleverly uses animals to symbolise different social groups and strata. Each animal persona exemplifies particular qualities and attributes, which help to make them unique and approachable. Each character, from the idealistic and persuasive Old Major to the devoted and naive Boxer, is a mirror of political beliefs and human nature.
The plot, which takes place on Manor Farm, starts with the animals overthrowing their human oppressors, with the pigs in command of the newly established society. But as time passes, the pigs, especially the crafty and clever Napoleon, gradually take control and distort the commandments to serve their agendas.
Adore it already? Well, it’s nothing compared to what’s to come up further! Keep reading!
Animal Farm by George Orwell | Book Review
About the Author
George Orwell
George Orwell, an English writer, journalist, and critic, was born Eric Arthur Blair on 25 June 1903 in Motihari, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Bihar, India). He is considered one of the most significant and influential authors of 20th-century literature.
Orwell’s writings frequently reflect his strong concerns about social injustice, tyranny, and the abuse of authority. His most famous work is the dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” released in 1949 and introduced ideas like Big Brother, Newspeak, and the Thought Police while imagining a terrifying future in which people’s freedoms are drastically curtailed. Another of Orwell’s most well-known writings is “Animal Farm,” published in 1945.
George Orwell passed away on 21 January 1950, at age 46, due to complications from tuberculosis. Orwell lived a relatively short life, yet his writings are still read and studied widely, and his theories and perceptions of politics, society, and human nature are still very much in force today.
Book Overview | Animal Farm by George Orwell
Full Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Genre: Fable
Publishing Date: 17 August 1945
Page Count: 140
Main Characters: Napoleon, Snowball, Boxer, Squealer, Old Major
Setting: The story takes place on Manor Farm
Themes: Corruption of Power, Totalitarianism, Class Struggle
Description:
In “Animal Farm,” a group of animals on Manor Farm overthrow their human owner and establish their autonomous farm. Initially, the animals uphold the ideals of equality and freedom, but over time, the pigs, led by Napoleon, progressively seize power and take advantage of the other animals.
The pigs betray the revolution’s original goals by rewriting the rules to their benefit. An allegory for the events leading up to the Russian Revolution, the book satirically critiques the political systems’ corruption and hypocrisy.
Book Summary | Animal Farm by George Orwell
The animals on Mr Jones’ farm are sick of being used for human needs and think it is highly exploitative. When Mr. Jones forgets to feed the animals one day, rebellion begins. Animals, therefore, plot to attack humans and take over the farm under the leadership of Napoleon and Snowball, two pigs.
The attempt has started by renaming the farm as “Animal Farm.” They chose principles for this agenda that became distorted over time to assist farm animals and other four-legged animals.
The book details the circumstances and occurrences that led to the 1917 Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era in the Soviet Union. George Orwell, a democratic socialist who opposed Joseph Stalin and Moscow-directed Stalinism, wrote one of his best satirical fiction novels, Animal Farm, as a response.
My Takeaway From the Book
Small and simple books like these always have the most profound meaning and lessons hidden inside them; this one’s no exception. There’s so much we can take away from this book if one has the eye for it.
The book strongly emphasises the perils of unbridled power and the possibilities for corrupt leaders. It demonstrates how persons in positions of authority can take advantage of and influence others for their gain, ultimately abandoning the values they previously upheld.
The tale illustrates how authoritarian systems akin to those they aimed to topple could emerge from revolutions. It warns against complacency and emphasises the difficulties in upholding the values and tenets of a revolution over time.
“Animal Farm” also examines the pursuit of social justice and the concept of equality. It draws attention to the importance of justice and the risks posed by societal structures that uphold injustice and exploitation. The novel acts as a reminder of how crucial it is to struggle for justice and fairness in society.
What Did I Think of the Book? Animal Farm by George Orwell
I enjoyed reading “Animal Farm” because it got me thinking. It is incredible how well Orwell can captivate readers with an allegory they can relate to. The book’s conciseness and approachable writing style make it highly fascinating and enable the reader to delve into its more in-depth ideas quickly.
Despite being animals, the characters are likeable and embody various facets of society and human nature. The tale is made more ironic and humorous by Orwell’s use of satire, which makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Ratings
Overall, this book is a total of 4 out of 5 stars without any doubt.
Conclusion | Animal Farm by George Orwell
Anyone who enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking story and is interested in political allegory, social commentary, or both should read “Animal Farm.”. It is impressive and enduring that Orwell used a story about a farmyard to highlight the flaws in political and social structures.
It’s a work of literature from the 20th century that is still relevant today and should be regarded as a classic. I hope you liked it, and if you did, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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