What is the plot in Animal Farm?
Animal Farm, a novella by George Orwell, is a powerful allegory that critiques the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism. The plot revolves around the transformation of a small farm into a socialist utopia, only to be corrupted by the very ideals it was founded upon. This satirical narrative follows the journey of the animals who rise up against their oppressive human masters and establish their own society, only to fall prey to the same totalitarianism they were trying to escape. Let’s delve into the intricate plot of this classic work of literature.
The story begins with the animals of Manor Farm, led by Old Major, a boar who inspires them with a revolutionary speech. He convinces the animals that they are equal and that they should seize control of the farm from the humans. After a successful rebellion, the animals overthrow the farmer and rename the farm Animal Farm. They establish seven commandments, which serve as the foundation of their new society.
As the years pass, the animals work tirelessly to maintain the farm and improve their living conditions. However, they soon realize that their efforts are being exploited by the pigs, who have become the new rulers. The pigs, particularly Napoleon and Snowball, manipulate the other animals and gradually consolidate their power. They start to resemble the humans they once despised, wearing clothes, sleeping in beds, and even speaking like them.
As the story progresses, Snowball is exiled and Napoleon takes full control of the farm. He enforces a strict hierarchy and suppresses any dissenting voices. The animals are forced to work longer hours and endure harsher conditions, all while believing that they are living in a socialist paradise. The commandments are rewritten to suit Napoleon’s interests, and the animals’ hope for a better life fades away.
The plot takes a dark turn when the farm is visited by the neighboring farms, which are also under the control of Napoleon. The animals realize that Animal Farm is not the utopia they once thought it was. The pigs have betrayed their ideals and established a regime that is no different from the one they overthrew. The final irony is that the farm is renamed “Happy Valley,” which is a stark contrast to the reality of the animals’ lives.
In conclusion, the plot of Animal Farm is a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the corruptibility of power. It highlights the importance of maintaining the ideals upon which a society is built and the need for constant vigilance against those who seek to exploit and control others. Through its allegorical narrative, Orwell effectively exposes the flaws and dangers of any political system that seeks to impose its will upon its citizens.
