Theme Of Abuse Of Power In Animal Farm

ENG2D
27 March 2013

Animal Farm

“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse”. The unpleasant human characteristics of selfishness and greed are dominant throughout this piece of literature. There is an automatic crave for power but once that is achieved, everyone still yearns for more proving that nothing can satisfy man. In the novel Animal Farm, George Orwell explores the subject of power corruption and the influence it may hold over a leader despite good intentions. He uses allusion as a reference to parallel the Russian Revolution where corruptions lead to the downfall of mankind as shown many times in society. Power is misused and abused by many while trying to establish a reputation and position on the farm.
He has become accustomed to getting special treatment and privileges unlike the other hardworking animals on the farm. “The importance of keeping the pigs in good health was all too obvious. So it was agreed without further argument that the milk and windfall apples (and also the main crop of apples when they ripened) should be reserved for the pigs alone.” (53) By eating and not opposing to having the milk and apples, he is already disobeying the commandments and main principle of Animalism where all animals are equal amongst each other. At the battle of Cowshed, Snowball also awards himself the honour of Animal Hero-First Class. Although the decision was “unanimous” it was quite clear Snowball held a heavy and imposing influence on the voting. This word was used to fake democracy on the farm giving the animals a sense of freedom. “The animals decided unanimously to create a military decoration, “Animal Hero, First Class,” which was conferred there and then on Snowball and Boxer.” (60) In order to gain more respect and heighten his importance, by receiving this award he has justified his position on the farm of being a leader admired by his
He was the leader who made the biggest impact on the farm. His rash decisions and self-centered choices led to the downfall of Animal Farm. Due to his ambition for power, he chased away all opponents. “At this there was a terrible braying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws.” (67) Napoleon felt threatened by Snowball’s presence and his need for total dictatorship forced him to send Snowball in exile. He also used other animals to control each other such as the dogs and sheep. “Then the sheep broke into a tremendous bleating of “Four legs good, two legs bad” which went on for nearly a quarter of an hour and put an end to any chance of discussion.” (69) The use of the sheep caused oppression and the animals could not voice their opinions which is the fundamental element of a democracy. Napoleon was a poor leader at best, missing certain qualities such as courage and kindness that attribute a great ruler and role model. He was devious, tyrannical, conniving and made political decisions based on individual thoughts solely for his