Exploring the Symbolism in George Orwells Animal Farm

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Introduction

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a timeless masterpiece that uses animals on a farm to represent the political events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era. While it is a seemingly simple and charming fable, the book tackles complex themes through the use of symbolism. In this blog post, we will explore the various symbols employed by Orwell to convey his powerful political message.

1. The Farm - An Allegory for Society

Animal Farm begins with an idyllic setting - Manor Farm. However, this seemingly peaceful farm quickly transforms into a dystopian society. Manor Farm represents the broader society under oppressive and totalitarian regimes. The way the animals are treated at the farm mirrors how citizens are oppressed and controlled under dictatorship.

Orwell’s choice of a farm as the setting is significant. Farms traditionally symbolize a self-sufficient community, where individuals work together towards a common goal. However, Animal Farm portrays a corrupted version of this ideal, highlighting how power and corruption can twist and destroy the very foundations of a society.

2. The Animals - Representing Key Historical Figures

Each animal character in Animal Farm represents a specific historical figure or social group. Orwell expertly weaves these characters into the plot to symbolize the various actors involved in the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Some notable examples include:

2.1 Old Major - Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin

Old Major, the original visionary pig who sets the revolution in motion, represents the likes of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, who were the main proponents of communism. Old Major’s ideas of animal equality and revolution closely mirror Marx’s and Lenin’s ideologies, which laid the foundation for the Russian Revolution.

2.2 Napoleon - Joseph Stalin

Napoleon the pig embodies the ruthless and power-hungry dictator Joseph Stalin. Through Napoleon’s character, Orwell portrays the corrupting influence of power and the manipulation of ideologies for personal gain. Napoleon’s actions, such as altering the commandments and using violent force to maintain control, mirror Stalin’s tyrannical regime.

2.3 Snowball - Leon Trotsky

Snowball, a pig that initially supports the revolution but is later exiled from the farm, represents Leon Trotsky, a prominent figure in the early days of the Russian Revolution. Snowball’s character reflects Trotsky’s intelligence, eloquence, and idealism. Similar to Trotsky, Snowball becomes a scapegoat and is blamed for all the problems on the farm after being ousted by Napoleon.

3. The Commandments - Distorted Ideals

The Commandments of Animalism, initially established to ensure equality and harmony among the animals, undergo changes throughout the story. These changes symbolize the distortion of ideals and the erosion of the original principles that the Russian Revolution sought to achieve.

3.1 “All Animals Are Equal” - Gradual Erosion

The central tenet of Animalism, “All Animals Are Equal,” highlights the initial desire for equality in society. However, as the story progresses, this commandment is subtly modified to “All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.” This shift exposes the hypocrisy and corruption that arises in totalitarian regimes, where the ruling class exploits and oppresses the working class under the guise of equality.

3.2 The Commandments as Political Tools

The changing commandments also serve as a metaphor for the manipulation of ideology by those in power. As Napoleon and the pigs become the ruling elite, they twist the commandments to suit their own interests. The pigs change, selectively enforce, and ultimately disregard the commandments to cement their control over the other animals. This manipulation symbolizes how power corrupts and how leaders use ideology as a tool to further their own agenda.

4. The Windmill - The Illusion of Progress

The windmill in Animal Farm symbolizes industrialization and progress. It represents the ambitious projects undertaken by the Soviet Union during the Stalinist era, such as the Five-Year Plans. The windmill serves as a distraction for the animals, promising a brighter future and a better life. However, it also highlights how these projects often serve as propaganda tools to manipulate and control the population.

Orwell emphasizes the illusion of progress by showcasing how the pigs exploit the other animals’ labor while reaping the benefits for themselves. The windmill’s destruction by the humans further illustrates how dreams of progress are often shattered, leaving the working class worse off than before.

5. The Farmhouse - Privilege and Inequality

The farmhouse on Animal Farm symbolizes the division between the ruling elite and the working class. Initially, the animals agreed to preserve the farmhouse as a museum, representing the memory of a corrupt past. However, as the pigs become more powerful, they move into the farmhouse and claim it as their own.

This development highlights the emergence of an privileged ruling class, mirroring the Soviet elite who enjoyed luxurious lifestyles while the majority of the population suffered. The farmhouse symbolizes the unjust inequality that arises when power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Conclusion

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a masterfully crafted allegory that utilizes various symbols to convey profound political messages. Through the farm, the animals, the commandments, the windmill, and the farmhouse, Orwell presents a scathing commentary on the Russian Revolution and the subsequent totalitarian regime. By exploring the rich symbolism in Animal Farm, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Orwell’s important message about power, corruption, and the distortion of noble ideals.