Chapter 10 is a very reflective and concluding one.
Again, George Orwell uses the idea of naivety when the pigs walk with their hinges and carry a whip in their hands. As the sheep exclaim: "Four legs good, two legs better." the animals are shocked. As usual, they refer to the Seven Commandments and read the newly established one: "All Animals Are Equal, But Some Are More Equal Than Others." The pigs buy a wireless set, telephones, newspaper, etc. and become "human." By inviting people over their Farm, the laws are broken ultimately. The local farmers engage in a discussion with the pigs and congratulate them on the effective work they have done. They wish to impose similar ideas on their farms.
As they play cards, the old animals like clover wonder what has happened with the pigs. Orwell used an excellent comparison at the end of his story. "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again: but it was impossible to say which was which." It is true, the pigs have changed greatly and they became humans, the cruel and oppressive beasts that once ruled the Animal Farm.
After starvation, bad treatment, and tough labor the true spirit of Animal Farm has perished. The idea of equality, justice and understanding has diminished with the pigs ruling the farm and putting on the shoes of their masters.
This chapter brings me to think if the rebellion or revolution is so so great after all?
Things might change for a while, but sooner or later the ones in power will abuse their rights and do things that are beneficial for them. Social classes will be created and dictators will be as bad as their precedents or even worse.
Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, etc. wished to change the society. Through the effective use of propaganda to scare, spark nationalism and to control minds, these leaders controlled the populous. By mass murder, they eliminated any competition that would oppose their ideas. Just as dogs in the Animal Farm, army was of vital importance. It would protect its state or perhaps expand the boundaries of the country.
Nothing lasts forever. One day the regime shall end and a new idea will emerge to fill people's minds.
Animal farm proved that education is important when it comes to effective control. Pigs were able to brainwash the animals since they could not comprehend the ideas. The smarter you are the wider the opportunities are. Educated society is able to repel government's ideas, while an uneducated society will have a tendency to agree with the solution, since they are unable to find a better answer.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Chapters 7 and 8
In chapter 7, pigs try to create an industrial farm. Soviets tried to create an industrial power, but often found themselves far behind the capitalistic west. Their lack of coordination and well structured plans created industrial failure, famine, and large debts (too much money spent) The windmill is the central symbol of technology advancing within the Animal Farm. Even though, Snowball, the official enemy and traitor has destroyed their mill, there is no way the animals will give up.
As in chapters five and six, chapter seven focuses on pigs abuse of power to control its population. The best way to describe pigs system is corruption, like Soviet's that created different social classes despite the fact of equality.
The execution of the conspirators reflects a lot Stalin. As a dictator he executed anyone opposing him, like pigs did to anyone tied to Snowball. By killing the animals in front of everyone, Napoleon effectively created fear and need for protection (safety). His tactics work perfectly, since the animals are too scared to challenge his ideas.
The false statements of longer live expectancy, increased production, better quality of life, make animals believe that things are better than they used to be. Communist governments would often publish statistics that would not reflect the reality to keep their population quiet and satisfied with the regime.
Throughout chapter 8, pigs effectively change laws for their own purpose. A great example: "No animals shall drink alcohol to excess" The law was changed from "No alcohol". The pigs drank some whisky and were feeling sick the next day. Stalin and his followers, changed laws as they wished, whatever would please them in the end.
Pigs constantly make deals and arrangements with Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick, to exchange their goods for construction materials for the mill. After doing a research, this ides ties to Stalin's trade with Germany and West. At first, the pigs wanted to make a deal with Mr. Pilkington, but in the end their turned their back and chose Mr. Frederick. Hitler came in arrangements with Stalin only for a short period of time, and then turned his back on Soviets. Mr. Frederick falsifies banknotes and thus cheats. Later on, he invades the Animal Farm and causes mass murder and destruction of the mill. The same idea applies to Hitler, who killed millions of Soviets and destroyed Soviets industrial infrastructure.
The blind ceremony, to honor the warriors that fought bravely for the cause of state, is another propaganda used by the pigs. Even though, the mill was destroyed, and the animals lost hope and spirit, the pigs effectively use their victory as a propaganda. In my opinion, this ceremony was not about the war, but to ensure pigs superiority and to keep their power.
* An important change from the comrade to "Leader Napoleon" takes place. It reflects Stalin who became the ultimate leader of his society and clinched his power.
As in chapters five and six, chapter seven focuses on pigs abuse of power to control its population. The best way to describe pigs system is corruption, like Soviet's that created different social classes despite the fact of equality.
The execution of the conspirators reflects a lot Stalin. As a dictator he executed anyone opposing him, like pigs did to anyone tied to Snowball. By killing the animals in front of everyone, Napoleon effectively created fear and need for protection (safety). His tactics work perfectly, since the animals are too scared to challenge his ideas.
The false statements of longer live expectancy, increased production, better quality of life, make animals believe that things are better than they used to be. Communist governments would often publish statistics that would not reflect the reality to keep their population quiet and satisfied with the regime.
Throughout chapter 8, pigs effectively change laws for their own purpose. A great example: "No animals shall drink alcohol to excess" The law was changed from "No alcohol". The pigs drank some whisky and were feeling sick the next day. Stalin and his followers, changed laws as they wished, whatever would please them in the end.
Pigs constantly make deals and arrangements with Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick, to exchange their goods for construction materials for the mill. After doing a research, this ides ties to Stalin's trade with Germany and West. At first, the pigs wanted to make a deal with Mr. Pilkington, but in the end their turned their back and chose Mr. Frederick. Hitler came in arrangements with Stalin only for a short period of time, and then turned his back on Soviets. Mr. Frederick falsifies banknotes and thus cheats. Later on, he invades the Animal Farm and causes mass murder and destruction of the mill. The same idea applies to Hitler, who killed millions of Soviets and destroyed Soviets industrial infrastructure.
The blind ceremony, to honor the warriors that fought bravely for the cause of state, is another propaganda used by the pigs. Even though, the mill was destroyed, and the animals lost hope and spirit, the pigs effectively use their victory as a propaganda. In my opinion, this ceremony was not about the war, but to ensure pigs superiority and to keep their power.
* An important change from the comrade to "Leader Napoleon" takes place. It reflects Stalin who became the ultimate leader of his society and clinched his power.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Animal Farm, Chapter 5
Napoleon and Snowball continue to side over various issues. This debate has proceeded from the beginning of the story. In chapter 4, Napoleon’s corrupt and will for power is revealed. Together with the dogs, his secret police, they overthrow Snowball. Squealer effectively explains that Snowball is the official enemy of the state, a common approach during dictatorship times. Napoleon proves that the preferred socialist ideas that Snowball shared, have no value to him. He begins a dictatorship, like Stalin did after the Russian Revolution. Language and mind are powerful tools that help Napoleon to gain acceptance. His physical violence and rescindment (elimination) become his policy.
Napoleon abolishes Sunday meetings, except the singing of “Beasts of England.” He decides to make decisions by himself, and then inform his comrades. A shift from voting to sole decision making has taken place.
The idea of electrification of the farm is closely tied to communist idealism. It was important for communistic leaders to modernize their countryside to increase the production. Technological advances were vital during this period.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Animal Farm, Chapters 2 and 3
Historically I could compare the Old Major to Karl Marx, the communist idealist. He was the one to start the idea of rebellion or so called revolution. He was the wisest of all the animals on the farm. Personally, I could compare farm animals to peasants who work hard everyday, but receive little from Mr. Jones (The Czar).
Throughout the text various characteristics can be discovered. Pigs are the thinkers, leaders and the smartest of the animals. They organized the revolution and have control over the farm. The two horses, Boxer and Clover are loyalists, easily manipulated by the pigs. The rest are the army, following the leaders’ orders.
Burning of objects that Mr. Jones possessed is symbolic. The animals burned down every single thing that belonged to Mr. Jones. When farm animals enter his house, they discovery luxury that Mr, Jones had for his entire life, while they lived in filthy and small barn. The house is a parallel to the Kremlin or the palace that monarchy in U.S.S.R inhabited.
At the end of the book, we can see that the dreams of utopia and perfect world are slowly shifting away. I feel like there is totalitarianism, the pigs slowly abusing their power. As the two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon fight and struggle for leadership, they both represent Russian Leaders of the Communist Party. I could associate Snowball as a more socially and intelligent one, Leon Trotsky and Napoleon more like Stalin (Conservative)
Continuously, Beasts of England is sung. It becomes an every day activity, a patriotic symbol and the national anthem of the newly created society.
In chapter three, the animals work hard to harvest their crops. Their laborious work pays off and the harvest is bigger than the one made by Mr. Jones. The pigs try to teach animals basic skills of reading and writing. Most of them are unable or unwilling to acquire important skills. This detail tells me that there is imbalance in power and gives a kind of foreshadowing that pigs will use their superior knowledge for their own advantage.
The Seven commandments were written from pigs’ point of view. They show idealistic, moral and Utopian values. The news so called slogan “Four legs good, two legs bad” is a simplified version to keep other animals from asking questions. The easily comprehensible slogan is a way of manipulation that the pigs can use to easily fill the dull minds. The animals trust blindly their leaders and believe every word they say. Animals want a better life, and since they are incapable of critical thinking they leave the decisions for the wise ones. One of the best examples is when the pigs explain why they eat autumn apples and drink milk. They briefly explain that it is to keep their mind well nourished, since a leader or a thinker needs good food to work efficiently. No one asks questions or protest, they simple move on. Pigs use effectively their linguistic and psychological methods that they’ve learned through the books to ensure their power. As a reader, I get a sense of emerging regime instead of Utopian land promised at the beginning.
By looking back at my history book, I can make a connection with Lenin, Stalin, Hitler or perhaps Mussolini. Anyone opposing the state is its official enemy.
Throughout the text various characteristics can be discovered. Pigs are the thinkers, leaders and the smartest of the animals. They organized the revolution and have control over the farm. The two horses, Boxer and Clover are loyalists, easily manipulated by the pigs. The rest are the army, following the leaders’ orders.
Burning of objects that Mr. Jones possessed is symbolic. The animals burned down every single thing that belonged to Mr. Jones. When farm animals enter his house, they discovery luxury that Mr, Jones had for his entire life, while they lived in filthy and small barn. The house is a parallel to the Kremlin or the palace that monarchy in U.S.S.R inhabited.
At the end of the book, we can see that the dreams of utopia and perfect world are slowly shifting away. I feel like there is totalitarianism, the pigs slowly abusing their power. As the two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon fight and struggle for leadership, they both represent Russian Leaders of the Communist Party. I could associate Snowball as a more socially and intelligent one, Leon Trotsky and Napoleon more like Stalin (Conservative)
Continuously, Beasts of England is sung. It becomes an every day activity, a patriotic symbol and the national anthem of the newly created society.
In chapter three, the animals work hard to harvest their crops. Their laborious work pays off and the harvest is bigger than the one made by Mr. Jones. The pigs try to teach animals basic skills of reading and writing. Most of them are unable or unwilling to acquire important skills. This detail tells me that there is imbalance in power and gives a kind of foreshadowing that pigs will use their superior knowledge for their own advantage.
The Seven commandments were written from pigs’ point of view. They show idealistic, moral and Utopian values. The news so called slogan “Four legs good, two legs bad” is a simplified version to keep other animals from asking questions. The easily comprehensible slogan is a way of manipulation that the pigs can use to easily fill the dull minds. The animals trust blindly their leaders and believe every word they say. Animals want a better life, and since they are incapable of critical thinking they leave the decisions for the wise ones. One of the best examples is when the pigs explain why they eat autumn apples and drink milk. They briefly explain that it is to keep their mind well nourished, since a leader or a thinker needs good food to work efficiently. No one asks questions or protest, they simple move on. Pigs use effectively their linguistic and psychological methods that they’ve learned through the books to ensure their power. As a reader, I get a sense of emerging regime instead of Utopian land promised at the beginning.
By looking back at my history book, I can make a connection with Lenin, Stalin, Hitler or perhaps Mussolini. Anyone opposing the state is its official enemy.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm has become a world-famous classic of English prose. It is a a simple and tragic fable, telling what happens when the animals drive Mr. Jones and attempt to run their farm themselves.
"It is the history of a revolution that went wrong- and of the excellent excuses that were forthcoming at every step of the perversion of the original doctrine."
Quote by George Orwell
"It is the history of a revolution that went wrong- and of the excellent excuses that were forthcoming at every step of the perversion of the original doctrine."
Quote by George Orwell
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