Revolutionary Idealism

Why has the revolutionary, idealistic novel Animal Farm remained such an interesting piece of literature?[d][e] It encourages readers to think about the Soviet Union in a new way. Orwell took his in-depth[f] understanding[g] to create a setting using symbols, metaphors, themes, and characterization to embody the events of the Russian Revolution. He helped the readers to understand the accounts of the rise and development of soviet communism in the form of an animal tale. Thus[h], throughout the novel, certain pigs’ ‘need’ for power and control is evident. Instead of their infamous, original motto, “All animals are equal”,they develop it into “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell’s writing techniques used in the novel clearly represent the allegory between communism in the USSR and the Animal Farm rebellion.[i][j]
Symbols and metaphors are continuously used in many different ways throughout the novel. [k]Orwell also incorporated a serious and dismal tone into these metaphors using descriptive details and word choices. For example,[l] Old Major, an aging and wise pig called the animals of the Manor Farm for a meeting in the big barn. He told them of a dream in which[m] all the animals live together with no humans to control them; the animals must work together towards a blissful paradise. "Your resolution must never falter. No argument must lead you astray. Never listen when they tell you that man and the animals have a common interest....we must not come to resemble him...no animal must ever live in a house or sleep in a bed, or wear clothes, or drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco, or touch money, or engage in trade.”[n]- Chapter Five. In the Soviet Union, this is similar to how Karl Marx suggested that if common people could overthrow the capitalists and share the spoils equally, they could all live in peace with one another. Old Major then taught the animals a song called “Beasts of England”; the idealistic symbol for the rebellion. “Beasts of England” represents Internationale, an official, wide sung anthem of the socialist movement since[o] the late 19th century. This symbol is quite important as it represented the beginning and end of the Animal Farm rebellion. Furthermore,[p][q] another key metaphoric symbol is the animals’ Windmill project. The Windmill stands for Stalin’s “Five-Year-Plans” and his goal to jump-start Russian technology and industry. Despite the fact[r] that Trotsky wanted to expand communism, Stalin despised the idea. As specified in chapter five, “He (Napoleon) urinated all over the plans and walked out without a word”. The feud between Stalin and Trotsky is represented by the argument between Napoleon and Snowball. After [s]Snowball had been expelled from the farm due to his beliefs , Napoleon called the plans his own and took full credit for the idea of the Windmill. Orwell’s comprehensive symbolistic approach in Animal Farm is very effective in discussing communism in the USSR. [t][u]
Initially, Animal Farm portrays a theme of supposed social equality throughout the entire animal community.[v] However,[w] as the novel evolves, actions of some of the characters show that they would like to surpass the others and become the ultimate authority.[x] For instance,[y] the main character that displays this attitude of being the utmost superior in a political system is Napoleon. He views himself as the top pig; the one that is in charge of everything. In chapter two, Orwell describes Napoleon as “A large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar, the only Berkshire on the farm, not much of a talker, but with a reputation for getting his way.” – Chapter Two. The entire farm eventually fell under Napoleon’s control; some of those animals included Squealer, Napoleons right-hand ‘man’ who was used to spread his propaganda[z] among the animals, Boxer the loyal cart horse, Benjamin the donkey, and the nine vicious dogs. Napoleon did not play a large part in the initial rebellion itself, but is introduced along with Snowball, as being one of the most intelligent pigs around. As the novel progresses,[aa] Napoleon’s true, corrupt intentions for the farm start to seep through his phony façade.[ab] Social equality was not at all present on Animal Farm at any time in the novel. Totalitarianism took over, despite the animals’ numerous attempts at an equal social circle.[ac][ad]
Using characterization, Orwell mindfully shaped the characters in the novel to represent important people or persons who played a role in the USSR.[ae] In society, Napoleon was based on the notorious dictator Joseph Stalin who[af] was the leader of the communist party. On the contrary[ag], Snowball’s character was centred on a very smart and intellectual man, Leon Trotsky. Trotsky was known for his quick mind and intelligent speeches; therefore,[ah] Stalin felt like he was not in a very good position to gain control. After[ai] Vladimir Lenin's death, Stalin managed to overthrow Trotsky from membership in the Communist Party, then from the Soviet Union itself. This major event in the revolution can be related to the climax of the novel when [aj]Napoleon evicted Snowball from the farm. Since[ak], Snowball’s respectable ideals[al] did not match up with Napoleon’s drive for greed and control, he sent nine giant dogs to chase after Snowball and potentially kill him in the act. Napoleon and his devious ways then gained full control of the farm and the animals. “At this there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs, wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn.” - Chapter Five.[am] Orwell’s effective portrayal of characters linked persons and their complex situations in the USSR to the simplicity of animals.[an] “Twelve voices were shouting in anger, and they were all alike. No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.[ao]” – Chapter Ten. Ironically,[ap] in the end, the pigs had become what they once sought to destroy; humans. Applying[aq] characterization, symbolism, and various themes, George Orwell’s Animal Farm reminds us to be humble with our power, and careful with our choices. This allegorical[ar] novel has helped and continues to help many people understand the lengths individuals will go to for power and control. Overall,[as] Orwell’s writing techniques were very effective in representing the harsh realities of communism in the USSR; he gave a deeper meaning and understanding to the term “Russian Revolution” making it not just another event in history. [at]