The Power of One/Animal Farm

Essay Power has many facets which are evident in society. Discuss in reference to the core text studied and the supplementary material In the novel, Animal Farm by George Orwell and the film, The Power of One directed by John G. Avildsen show many aspects of power which are evident in society. Themes further expressed in both materials include, Power through leadership and corruption, power through violence and submission, power of control over the intellectually inferior and . These are all displayed throughout both of the texts and are evident in society. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Orwell uses many characters to emphasize leadership and corruption. Napoleon the pig is made leader through deception and abuse of his power. He is selfish and beguiling and becomes consumed in control and authority that he himself becomes corrupted. For e.g. Napoleon demands the seven commandments which include, 'Whatever goes up on two legs is an enemy, No animal shall wear clothes, No animal shall drink alcohol and No animal shall kill any other animal.' By the end of the book, he alone breaks every one of these rules for his personal benefit. He also, uses his power to change the commandments in order to cover his wrong actions. Napoleon has absolute power over the animals and farms, he knows this, so he can break the rules and misuse his authority for his gain. Power demoralises those who possess it. The director John G. Avildsen represents the themes of leadership and corruption also through characters. Jaapie Botha the main antagonist in the film, had been PK's most feared rival, ever since childhood. He had abused and tortured little PK, nearly killed him. Many years later, Jaapie becomes a sergeant under the South Africa Police Department. When he heard of PK and Maria, he seeks out his vengeance against him. He beats Gideon Duma and others at the gym, and then has the gym closed down and burned. The gym being the only race-mixed place where both