Animal Farm by George Orwell

 

Animal Farm by George Orwell – A Timeless Political Allegory

When George Orwell published Animal Farm in 1945, he described it as a "fairy story." But beneath the surface of talking animals and barnyard rebellion lies one of the most powerful political commentaries of the 20th century. With its blend of simplicity and profound symbolism, Animal Farm remains just as relevant today as it was in the aftermath of World War II.

 The Story in a Nutshell

Set on a typical English farm, the novel begins with Old Major, a wise old boar, who inspires the animals to revolt against their human owner, Mr. Jones. Old Major’s vision is a utopia where animals are free, equal, and control their own labor and produce. After his death, the animals stage a successful revolution and take over the farm, renaming it "Animal Farm."

Initially, the new society thrives under the principles of "Animalism." But as the pigs — especially Napoleon and Snowball — assume leadership roles, power begins to corrupt. Eventually, Napoleon becomes a tyrant, and the animals find themselves under a regime that is arguably worse than the one they overthrew.

The once-hopeful mantra “All animals are equal” is gradually perverted into the chilling final commandment:

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

Allegory and Meaning

On the surface, Animal Farm is a fable, but it’s really a thinly veiled allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Here's a brief comparison:

• Old Major = Karl Marx / Vladimir Lenin

• Napoleon = Joseph Stalin

• Snowball = Leon Trotsky

• Boxer the Horse = The working class

• The Dogs = Secret police / military enforcers

• Mr. Jones = The old ruling elite / Czar Nicholas II

Orwell critiques how revolutionary ideals can be manipulated by those in power, turning noble goals into tools of oppression. The novel shows how propaganda, fear, and rewriting of history are used to maintain control.

 Why It Still Matters

Even though it's rooted in a specific historical context, Animal Farm speaks to universal themes:

• The dangers of absolute power

• How easily truth can be distorted

• The role of the masses in enabling tyranny

• The fragility of democracy and equality

In an age of political polarization, media manipulation, and global movements for justice, Animal Farm continues to offer critical insights into how power structures operate.

 Final Thoughts

Animal Farm is more than a school reading assignment — it’s a warning. It’s a short, accessible book but it delivers a heavyweight punch that leaves readers questioning power, truth, and freedom.

If you’ve read it before, read it again — especially now. And if you’ve never read it, you’re in for a deceptively simple story with a deeply unsettling message.