Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely: an Analysis of "Animal Farm"

Introduction

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a pretty intense story about what happens when folks get too much power. Written way back in 1945, this book uses a farm full of animals to tell us something about the Russian Revolution in 1917 and how Stalin rose to power in the Soviet Union. So, the animals on the farm kick out their human farmer but then find themselves under the rule of other animals, which ends up being just as bad. Orwell's tale highlights how power can mess people up big time. This essay dives into how Animal Farm shows that "absolute power corrupts absolutely" by looking at how those pigs change from revolutionary leaders to straight-up dictators.

'Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely: An Analysis of "Animal Farm"'

At first, the animals on Mr. Jones’s farm are treated really poorly. Inspired by Old Major’s dream of a fair society where everyone is equal, they rebel and give Mr. Jones the boot. Initially, Animal Farm is all about Animalism, prioritizing group needs over individual wants. They come up with these Seven Commandments, with "All animals are equal" standing out to show their high hopes for the future.

But things start shifting when the pigs, mainly Napoleon and Snowball, take charge and start tussling for control. Once Napoleon boots out Snowball, corruption kicks in hard. With Napoleon ruling, it all starts going downhill with lies, tricks, and complete control.

Napoleon keeps his power by twisting the Seven Commandments to suit his desires. The original rule "All animals are equal" morphs into "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This twist shows just how rotten everything’s become. The pigs begin acting like the humans they initially fought against – drinking booze, sleeping in beds, doing business with humans.

Napoleon also uses propaganda and fear to keep control tight. Squealer, his main pig buddy, bends words and facts to defend what they’re doing and keep the other animals from causing trouble. They keep bringing up the fear of Jones coming back to shut down any dissenters. The sheep mindlessly bleating “Four legs good, two legs bad” highlight how crowds can be manipulated.

As individual freedoms vanish and totalitarian rule takes over, the main message of the story becomes clear: unity crumbles into division and oppression. Boxer’s betrayal—the hardworking horse—really hits home here. Despite Boxer's loyalty and dedication, he’s sold off when he's no longer useful. This act of betrayal underscores just how morally bankrupt Napoleon's leadership has become.

Orwell’s tale of pigs turning from revolutionary figures into tyrants warns us about dangers tied to unchecked power. Dreams of fairness get crushed by those supposed to uphold them. It illustrates that without checks and balances around authority figures, we risk heading down a path toward corruption where those once promised help instead face oppression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Orwell's Animal Farm stands strong as an example illustrating “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Through its narrative of a revolution gone sour at a farm setting—and idealistic leaders devolving into oppressive rulers—Orwell reminds us why vigilance matters so much today alongside accountability measures aimed at keeping democratic principles firmly intact across communities worldwide! By examining how these pigs rise before succumbing themselves eventually towards corrupted behavior patterns over time—Animal Farm makes clear dangers inherent whenever excessive amounts end up concentrated within hands belonging only few individuals alone...

References

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• Patai D., (1984). The Orwell Mystique: A Study In Male Ideology. University Of Massachusetts Press.
• Smyer R.A., (1979). Orwell’s Animal Farm: A Study Guide . Simon Schuster Ltd.
• Zwerdling A., (1974). The Politics Of Style: George Orwell On Literature And Language . John Hopkins University Press.