George Orwell’s Animal Farm

 

 George Orwell’s Animal Farm

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a well-known allegorical novella that blends satire and social commentary. The story centers around animals on a farm who revolt against their human owner in hopes of gaining freedom. While the surface story is about animals rebelling, it also represents significant historical events, particularly the Russian Revolution of 1917, and examines how noble intentions can be undermined by human flaws, such as greed and the thirst for power.

Old Major: The Catalyst for Revolution

Old Major, a wise and elderly pig, is the character who sparks the revolution. Though he doesn’t live to see the uprising, his ideas ignite the entire movement. Aware of his own imminent death, Old Major gathers the animals to share his vision of a better life.

The Speech That Sparked the Uprising

One night, when the human farmer, Mr. Jones, is asleep, the animals meet in the barn. Old Major starts by describing their difficult lives under human control. He explains that humans take all the produce from the animals, such as milk and eggs, without giving anything in return. Humans work the animals to exhaustion and dispose of them once they are no longer useful. Old Major argues that humans are their true enemies.

The Call for Revolution

Old Major proposes that to end their suffering, the animals must rise up and overthrow the humans. He cautions them, however, not to adopt the bad habits of humans, such as greed and cruelty, after they gain their freedom.

Rules for the New Society

To ensure their new society remains just and equal, Old Major gives the animals simple guidelines to follow:

Anything with two legs (humans) is an enemy.

Anything with four legs or wings (animals) is a friend.

No animal should live in a house, sleep in a bed, wear clothes, drink alcohol, handle money, or engage in trade.

No animal should harm or dominate another animal.

All animals are equal.

These commandments form the basis of their new ideology, Animalism.

A Vision of Liberation

In the end, Old Major shares his dream, envisioning a world where humans no longer exist, and animals live in harmony and freedom. He also teaches them a song called "Beasts of England," which becomes their anthem for the revolution.

Conclusion

Old Major is a thoughtful and influential character who plants the idea of rebellion in the minds of the animals. His speech inspires them to hope for a better future and motivates them to act. However, the novel also illustrates how power can corrupt, as the animals’ society eventually faces the same issues Old Major warned against.

Animal Farm is a straightforward yet powerful narrative that critiques how revolutions can go awry, showing that the pursuit of freedom and equality is a complex and challenging process.