Animal Farm by George Orwell is a satirical story about the ineffectiveness of communist ideals.

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a satirical story about the ineffectiveness of communist ideals. One of the major themes of this story is manipulation and control. The pigs on the farm were able to convince the other farm animals the life under the rule of Farmer Jones was oppressive and they needed to revolt. After the revolt the pigs, Snowball and Napoleon assume command because they can read and write. “The pigs revealed that during the past three months they had taught themselves to read and write from an old spelling book“ (Orwell 32) This is the beginning of the power grab of the pigs. The first thing the pigs do is change the name of the farm from “Manor Farm” to “Animal Farm”. The front gate with its new name becomes a symbol of pride for all the animals. The animals parade around the farm proclaiming their new found freedom and solidarity.
The pigs organize the farm so that it is run proficiently and every one can share in the prosperity of the farm. Each animal is given a duty and are taught to read, however the majority of the animals do not have the capacity to learn so they rely on the pigs and others to tell them what to do. The theme of manipulation and control is highlighted by the pigs institute of rules that are written on the side of the barn known as the seven commandments. The seven commandments represent the rules of animalism and the barn is a place where the pigs exert power and intelligence. The barn also “represents the collective wisdom of a modern nation” (SparkNotes Editors) The pigs begin to manipulate the rules to fit their needs and some of the animals remember the original rules but they do not question the changes. They are reminded “Do you know what would happen if the pigs fail in our duty? Jones would come back!” (Orwell 42)
In an attempt to usurp all power Napoleon begins to blame Snowball for everything that is going wrong on the farm. Once Snowball is run off and all power is in the hand of Napoleon and he becomes even more corrupt. Absolute power ruins absolutely. Napoleon changes all the rules and makes his headquarters in the one place where animals were originally forbidden to go, the home of farmer Jones. The home was a reminder to the other animals as to why the revolted against human rule. It was against the rules to sleep in a bed or drink. The sheep were taught that “four legs good, two legs bad.” (Orwell 41). Napoleon became so corrupt that he and the other pigs began to walk on two legs. Walking on two legs set them apart from the other animals and cemented their role as the ruling class among the animals.