How Power Corrupted The Pigs in Animal Farm

George Orwell's allegorical novella, Animal Farm, serves as a scathing critique of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of totalitarianism. Through the depiction of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human oppressor, Orwell explores the corrupting nature of power. In the novel, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, gradually accumulate power, ultimately becoming tyrannical rulers. This essay will examine how power corrupts the pigs in Animal Farm and the consequences of their corruption. By analyzing the actions and behaviors of the pigs, it becomes evident that power leads to a perversion of ideals, a disregard for the needs and rights of others, and the erosion of moral principles.

Perversion of Ideals

The initial rebellion on Animal Farm is driven by the animals' desire for freedom, equality, and a fair society. However, as the pigs gain power, they twist these ideals to suit their own interests. Napoleon, the main antagonist, gradually takes control and manipulates the other animals through propaganda and fear. He employs Squealer, a persuasive speaker, to justify his actions and convince the animals that everything he does is for their benefit. For example, when the pigs begin to live in the farmhouse, a clear breach of the original commandment, Squealer explains that it is necessary for their leadership roles, thereby perverting the initial ideal of equal distribution of resources.

Furthermore, the pigs adopt human vices such as drinking alcohol and wearing clothes, further distancing themselves from the original principles of Animalism. This perversion of ideals is exemplified by the modification of the commandments, which are initially established to ensure equality and justice. Through their gradual amendments, the pigs manipulate the rules to grant themselves privileges and exempt themselves from the same standards applied to the other animals. This corruption of the original ideals illustrates how power corrupts the pigs by leading them to prioritize their own desires over the principles they once fought for.

Disregard for the Needs and Rights of Others

As the pigs consolidate their power, they increasingly disregard the needs and rights of the other animals on the farm. They prioritize their own comfort and well-being at the expense of the rest of the community. For instance, when the animals face food shortages, the pigs continue to indulge in excessive amounts of food, leaving the others to starve. This blatant disregard for the needs of the animals they are supposed to represent demonstrates how power has corrupted their sense of empathy and compassion.

Furthermore, the pigs employ fear and violence to maintain control over the other animals. They establish a group of fierce dogs as their private security force, using them to intimidate and silence any opposition or dissent. Through this use of force, the pigs suppress the rights of the other animals, denying them their voice and agency. The pigs' increasing disregard for the needs and rights of others serves as a clear manifestation of how power corrupts their behavior, as they prioritize their own interests and control over the well-being of the community.

Erosion of Moral Principles

The accumulation of power by the pigs in Animal Farm leads to the erosion of moral principles that were initially established for the fair and equal governance of the farm. The pigs engage in dishonesty, manipulation, and betrayal to maintain their authority. They alter history and spread false narratives to justify their actions and suppress any questioning of their rule. For instance, they revise the story of the Battle of Cowshed, attributing the victory solely to the animals and erasing the vital role played by Snowball, their former comrade.

The pigs also engage in corrupt practices, such as trading with humans and exploiting the labor of the other animals. They establish trade relations with the neighboring farms, despite their initial commitment to self-sufficiency. This betrayal of their principles further highlights how power corrupts the pigs, as they become willing to compromise their integrity and exploit others for personal gain.

The corrupting influence of power is a central theme in George Orwell's Animal Farm. Through the pigs' accumulation of power, Orwell illustrates how power can pervert ideals, lead to a disregard for the needs and rights of others, and erode moral principles. The pigs' transformation from revolutionary leaders to tyrannical rulers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for corruption. By examining the actions and behaviors of the pigs, it becomes clear that power, when not held accountable and checked, has the potential to corrupt even the noblest of intentions.

Bibliography:

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. London: Secker and Warburg, 1945.