Summary
"Animal Farm," penned by George Orwell, is a powerful allegory of the Russian Revolution, presented through the lens of farm animals who overthrow their human oppressor, Mr. Jones, to establish a society founded on principles of equality and freedom. The story begins with Old Major, a prize-winning boar, who inspires the animals with a vision of a world free from human tyranny. After Major's death, the pigs, being the most intelligent animals, take it upon themselves to organize and lead the revolution.
Under the guidance of Snowball and Napoleon, the animals successfully drive out Mr. Jones and rename the farm "Animal Farm." They establish Seven Commandments, the most important being, "All animals are equal." Initially, the farm thrives. Animals work together, and each contributes according to their ability. However, the power dynamics gradually shift as Napoleon and Snowball vie for control. Their disagreements culminate in Napoleon using force, in the form of trained dogs, to expel Snowball from the farm, branding him a traitor and enemy of Animal Farm.
With Snowball gone, Napoleon assumes total control, and the farm gradually descends into a totalitarian regime, mirroring the corruption and oppression of Stalinist Russia. The pigs, led by Napoleon, begin to alter the Seven Commandments to justify their actions, systematically eroding the initial principles of equality. They exploit the other animals' naivety and labor, all while enjoying privileges and luxuries that were initially condemned. Squealer, Napoleon's propagandist, manipulates the truth and uses fear tactics to maintain control, convincing the animals that Napoleon's decisions are always in their best interest.
As the pigs consolidate their power, they adopt human behaviors such as wearing clothes, sleeping in beds, drinking alcohol, and trading with neighboring farms, actions that were initially forbidden. The other animals, particularly Boxer, a loyal and hardworking horse, remain committed to the farm's ideals, despite the growing inequalities. Boxer's unwavering belief in Napoleon and his personal motto, "I will work harder," makes him an easy target for exploitation. Eventually, when Boxer is no longer useful, he is sold to a glue factory, a betrayal that highlights the pigs' ultimate corruption and disregard for the other animals' well-being.
In the end, Animal Farm becomes indistinguishable from the farm it once rebelled against. The pigs, now walking on two legs and carrying whips, have become the very oppressors they sought to overthrow. The final scene, where the other animals observe the pigs playing cards with human farmers and can no longer distinguish between them, serves as a chilling indictment of totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, illustrating how revolutions can betray their own ideals and lead to new forms of oppression.