As soon as I opened the book “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, I was certain that I would enjoy the read, however, I did not think that such a profound impact would have a simple fable. Written in 1945, this novella has endured the test of time, and even today, quite vocal, casts a lot of barnyard animals to expose unending issues of power, greed, and mankind.
In case you still have not read this masterpiece, I can’t stress enough; go read it. This is a tale that is even more shocking and relevant than the aforementioned for management rock stars, political spheres, or even simply for those who enjoy a good story.
The Story: A Revolution Gone Wrong
The opening of the book brings us to Manor Farm, where Old Major a wise boar (symbolising Karl Marx) leads the livestock to revolt against the inattentive human, Mr. Jones (portraying Tsar Nicholas II). The animals triumph, and after getting rid of the humans they set up “Animalism” a belief system that promises equality, justice, and the well-being of all beings.
In other words, as a new society comes into being, Orwell depicts through water the submerged decay of these ideals to a masterful degree as the pigs take the lead. Napoleon, an intelligent pig whose conduct is in fact the embodiment of Stalin’s character, exerts power over his fellow animals by distorting reality in order to impose white rule under the pretense of equality.
By means of the development of Napoleon’s absolute rule, Orwell demonstrates how lofty ideas can be corrupted when a small number of individuals take the lead. The scenes involving the winding up of Snowball, a fellow pig who is a rival of Napoleon, who is a character symbolically representing Leon Trotsky, actually refer to Stallin’s real contexts.
Meanwhile, Squealer, the persuasive propagandist informs the public about the new era, while in fact, he is the one controlling them. Of course, the Seven Commandments of Animalism are gradually modified to legitimize the pigs’ exceptional existence among other animals and the final phrase goes: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Why This Book Stands Out
To me, Animal Farm succeeds, since it takes a very short and uncomplicated narrative and simply fills it full of meaning. You don’t need to be some sort of history or political enthusiast to understand Orwell’s warning: any system can be corrupted if those running it are allowed to get away with everything. It is easy to become submerged in Orwell’s allegory and feel the sting of betrayal right beside the loyal, hard-working animals-especially Boxer, the horse, whose tragic loyalty lingered in my mind.
Beyond the satire, Orwell’s characters appear almost three-dimensional, tangible. Boxer, the workhorse who says, “I will work harder,” is a manifestation of loyalty and hard work; the skeptical donkey, Benjamin, speaks to us of the dangers of standing by and doing nothing when we witness injustice. These animals are not just farm animals; they represent real human traits and ways of responding to oppression and power.
Why Animal Farm Remains Relevant Today
One of the strongest messages in Animal Farm is how noble an idea can be distorted. It is a pity to observe how the animals, from hopeful revolutionaries, turn into oppressed laborers. At the same time, however, this makes it a potentially strong reminder of just how fragile freedom and equality can be. This story encourages readers to question authority, recognize the risks of blind loyalty, and recall that actual change requires vigilance.
A Quick yet Engaging and Powerful Read
With less than 100 pages, Animal Farm is a quick read, but don’t let its brevity fool you. This story will remain with you for a very long time after you finish the last page, to critically think about power and justice. If you are revisiting it after having studied it in school or if this is your first time reading it, it is powerful. Let’s Talk: Discussion Prompts
Several questions were going through my head after reading this book, and clearly, anyone interested in Animal Farm will have the same feeling. Here are a few questions that I found thought-provoking and that could be great starting points for a discussion:
- What does Animal Farm reveal about the risks of totalitarianism?
Orwell shows poignantly how ideals can be distorted when power becomes unquestioned. How do we guard against this in our societies of today? - How does Orwell employ satire to bring out the truth in politics?
Satire features highly in Orwell’s work, right from the manipulative Squealer to the eventual commandments; he makes use of humor and irony in pointing out his observations. What are some of the moments that stood out the most to you? - What do the characters say about human nature?
Every animal on the farm seemed to have represented some other aspect of society or human behavior. Which ones did you connect to, and why?
If one is in search of a book that should amuse and enlighten him at the same time and make him look around differently, then I highly recommend Animal Farm. This is really a masterful combination of storytelling and social commentary that I believe each reader should experience at least once.
Share your thoughts with us after reading this book. If you already read this book, write down what you think about it. Did Orwell’s dashed view match with your idea? Which character or theme affected you the most? I’d love to hear your perspectives—drop your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s discuss how this timeless classic speaks to us today.
