Conflict - Animal Farm

In studying the concept of conflict, it is evident that conflict is often essential for personal growth. Through detailed analysis of the two prescribed texts, 'Animal Farm', a traditional fable by George Orwell and the untitled cartoon describing two tethered donkeys in conflict, effectively use a range of affective language and visual features to explore the aspects of conflict. This includes how conflict reveals a persons capabilities, how conflict can alter relationships among those involved and ways effectively to respond to conflict.

Were conflict is apparent in an individuals life, it can often reveal the persons capabilities. Orwell's classic fable is clearly conveyed in this theme through his narration of Boxer during the Battle of the Cowshed, were he struck a man from Foxwood on the skull with his hind legs. The man was stunned and was laying on the ground, but only minutes later the man soon got to his feet and ran away to the relief of Boxer who he thought was dead.

This concept is mirrored in the prescribed novel by the use of a simile, “but the most terrifying spectacle of all was Boxer, rearing up on his hind legs and striking out with his great iron-shod hoofs like a stallion.” This language feature insightfully shows Boxer's unknown capabilities. Boxer was oblivious of his physical capabilities until he had entered into conflict and from then on, he knew the damage he could exhibit as shown later in the text when he was deciding whether or not to kill one of Napoleons dogs.

Conflict can alter relationships among those involved which then leads to personal growth of those individuals. Both the texts clearly illustrates this point about conflict. The most significant example of this comes from the untitled cartoon of the two donkeys in conflict. In panel one to three, the donkeys are tied together and are gradually straining against one another in opposite directions to eat a mass of food. After failing to reach the food, the