corruption essay animal farm

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Animal Farm

George orwell.

Animal Farm depicts a revolution in progress. Like all popular revolutions, the uprising in Animal Farm develops out of a hope for a better future, in which farm animals can enjoy the fruits of their own labor without the overbearing rule of humans. At the time of the revolution, all of the animals on Mr. Jones ’s farm, even the pigs, are committed to the idea of universal equality—but these high ideals that fueled the revolution in the first place gradually give way to individual and class-based self-interest. Animal Farm thus illustrates how a revolution can be corrupted into a totalitarian regime through slow, gradual changes.

At first, the revolution creates the sense that there could be a bright future in store for Animal Farm. Old Major makes a number of objectively true points in his speech to the animals, such as that Mr. Jones is a cruel and unfeeling master who cares little or not at all for their wellbeing, and that humans themselves don’t produce anything (like eggs or milk). The Seven Commandments that Snowball and Napoleon come up with in the months after are similarly idealistic, and, in theory, lay the groundwork for a revolution that truly will elevate individual workers above horrible, totalitarian leaders like Mr. Jones. Indeed, when the rebellion surprisingly happens, things initially seem as if they’re going to go in a positive direction for everyone: there are debates among the animals, animals have the ability to propose items for discussion, and every animal participates in the working of the farm. Best of all, the animals pull in the best and fastest hay harvest that the farm has ever seen, suggesting that their revolution has benefits in addition to freeing them from a cruel situation under Mr. Jones. It seems possible that they’ll truly be able to make self-government work.

However, the novel also offers early clues that corruption begins to take hold on Animal Farm long before Napoleon takes drastic steps to turn it into a totalitarian state, even when by most metrics, things seem to be going smoothly and fairly. For instance, it’s not an accident that only the pigs and the dogs are the ones who become fully literate. While to a degree, this becomes a chicken and egg question (in terms of which came first: literacy or corrupt power), the fact remains that the only literate creatures are the ones who ultimately seize control. Further, even idealistic Snowball insists to the other animals that because the literate pigs are “mindworkers” engaged in figuring out how exactly to run the farm, they need the entire crop of apples and all the cows’ milk. This power shift takes place during that first exceptional hay harvest, making it clear that things aren’t as rosy as the hay yield, and the increased productivity it suggests, might lead one to believe.

The corruption doesn’t end with the theft of milk and apples; by the end of the novel, the pigs sleep in the farmhouse, have a school for their pig children, drink alcohol, and consume sugar off of the Jones’s set of fine china—all things initially forbidden in some form in the original Seven Commandments. However, one of the most corrupt things that the pigs do is to modify the Seven Commandments to effectively legalize whatever it is they decide they want to do, from drinking alcohol to sleeping in beds. This corruption is something that most animals don’t notice, while those that do are either cowed into pretending that they don’t notice or executed for expressing concern. This combination of fear and unthinking trust in leaders, the novel suggests, is one of the most important elements that allows corruption to flourish.

Though the animals’ rebellion began as one against humans and everything they stand for in the animals’ eyes—greed, alcoholism, decadence, and cruelty, among other vices—it’s telling that the novel ends when animals, led by Clover , cannot tell Napoleon and his pig cronies apart from the human farmers who came for a tour and dinner. With this, the novel proposes that revolution is something cyclical that repeats throughout time. Because of corruption, those individuals who are powerful to begin with or who overthrow cruel and heartless leaders will inevitably come to resemble those former leaders, once they understand what it’s like to occupy such a position of power. In this sense, Orwell paints a grim view of revolution as a whole, as Animal Farm demonstrates clearly that even when the ideals of a revolution may be good, it’s all too easy to twist those ideals, fall prey to corruption, and poison the movement, harming countless powerless individuals in the process.

Revolution and Corruption ThemeTracker

Revolution and Corruption Quotes in Animal Farm

“Why then do we continue in this miserable condition? Because nearly the whole of the produce of our labour is stolen from us by human beings.”

“Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever. Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.”

“Remember, comrades, your resolution must never falter. No argument must lead you astray. Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest, that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others. It is all lies. Man serves the interests of no creature except himself. And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle. All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.”

“Comrades!” he cried. “You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organization of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples.”

“I have no wish to take life, not even human life,” repeated Boxer, and his eyes were full of tears.

At this there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws.

“No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?”

“Napoleon is always right.”

“Comrades, do you know who is responsible for this? Do you know the enemy who has come in the night and overthrown our windmill? SNOWBALL!”

If a window was broken or a drain was blocked up, someone was certain to say that Snowball had come in the night and done it, and when the key of the store-shed was lost, the whole farm was convinced that Snowball had thrown it down the well. Curiously enough, they went on believing this even after the mislaid key was found under a sack of meal.

If she herself had had any picture of the future, it had been of a society of animals set free from hunger and the whip, all equal, each working according to his capacity, the strong protecting the weak [...] Instead - she did not know why - they had come to a time when no one dared speak his mind, when fierce, growling dogs roamed everywhere, and when you had to watch your comrades torn to pieces after confessing to shocking crimes.

At the foot of the end wall of the big barn, where the Seven Commandments were written, there lay a ladder broken in two pieces. Squealer, temporarily stunned, was sprawling beside it, and near at hand there lay a lantern, a paint-brush, and an overturned pot of white paint. [...] None of the animals could form any idea as to what this meant, except old Benjamin, who nodded his muzzle with a knowing air, and seemed to understand, but would say nothing.

Besides, in those days they had been slaves and now they were free, and that made all the difference, as Squealer did not fail to point out.

Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer—except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.

“Four legs good, two legs better !”

ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.

The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.

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Power and Corruption in Animal Farm

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” is a quote from George Orwell’s novel, Animal Farm, that conveys a sense of the central themes of class, power and corruption, and language and propaganda that play out in the novel (112). Through the experiences and society created by a group of farm animals, Orwell is really suggesting that human society is flawed in many of the same manners that play out as themes in his book. Concerns over the separation of class, power and corruption wielded by those in positions of authority, and usage of language to manipulate and persuade others drive the storyline as Orwell supports how these themes translate to the human experience.

“Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer-except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs,” demonstrates how the animals are separated by class where some reap more benefits than others (Orwell 129). As the animals struggle to produce for the humans, not all the animals are treated the same or get the same rewards, so there is a class system among the animals. While some animals are aware of the inequality, others are not, which is how it plays out in human society. Orwell is trying to tell mankind to treat people fairly or society will suffer. If all the animals were equally productive and reaped the same benefits, then there wouldn’t be a plot to the novel. The separation of class is an important element in the upheaval that occurs in the book that highlights power and corruption.

“Napoleon is always right,” is a quote that demonstrates Orwell’s use of power and corruption in the novel (Orwell 56). No one can be completely right all the time, yet the animals look to Napoleon to solve all of their problems and they don’t think much past that. Orwell is highlighting how mankind blindly follows those in power because of the power they wield, but without thought to their motives. He is suggesting that society could benefit from thinking more about who people are instead of the power that they hold. There are good and bad people everywhere and just because they make it to a position of authority doesn’t mean they are right for the position. He is telling us to think for ourselves. Yet, as with the animals, not all the people are capable of thinking and understanding at the same level, so does this even work? Perhaps there is a need for authority, whether corrupt or not, to guide those who cannot think for themselves. Either way, Orwell is providing us a glimpse into the problems associated with blindly following power and authority when corruption is involved.

Orwell uses the seven commandments to highlight how language is used to manipulate and control the animals (Orwell 24-25). He continues this use of persuasive language throughout the novel to show how words can be used as propaganda to persuade others. This is much the same as human society. Propaganda is used to make people buy products through commercials, or endorse political ideas. Again, Orwell is suggesting the importance of thinking things through and not blindly following others. Words can be used to compliment, to hurt, or to persuade, so words should be considered very carefully.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm highlights themes that are shared by human society. Class, power and corruption, and language and propaganda are all concerns that can cause disruption and unhappiness. He points out that society is sort of built on a separation of class and an assignment of power to guide those who cannot guide themselves. He makes an interesting point for consideration that perhaps there is no society without these themes playing out, so that they are essentially a necessary evil. He is also concerned with fair treatment of all and leaves us to ponder if society can ever become fair.

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Power and Corruption in Animal Farm. (2021, Jul 05). Retrieved from https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/

"Power and Corruption in Animal Farm." supremestudy.com , 5 Jul 2021, https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/

supremestudy.com. (2021). Power and Corruption in Animal Farm . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 18 Nov. 2024]

"Power and Corruption in Animal Farm." supremestudy.com, Jul 05, 2021. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/

"Power and Corruption in Animal Farm," supremestudy.com , 05-Jul-2021. [Online]. Available: https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/ . [Accessed: 18-Nov-2024]

supremestudy.com. (2021). Power and Corruption in Animal Farm . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 18-Nov-2024]

Power and Corruption in Animal Farm. (2021, Jul 05). Retrieved November 18, 2024 , from https://supremestudy.com/power-and-corruption-in-animal-farm/

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Animal Farm — Animal Farm: An Allegorical Satire on Power and Corruption

Animal Farm: an Allegorical Satire on Power and Corruption

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Published: Jun 14, 2024

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Characters as symbols, events as parallels, themes of power and corruption.

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Literary English

Main Theme of Animal Farm | Power and Corruption

The main theme of Animal Farm revolves around the corrupting nature of power and the dangers of totalitarianism. Through the allegorical portrayal of Manor Farm, Orwell explores how the pursuit of power leads to oppression, exploitation, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. The novel underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democracy and resisting authoritarian rule. Additionally, “Animal Farm” examines themes of equality, justice, propaganda, and the cyclical nature of history. Overall, Orwell’s work serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked authority and the enduring struggle for freedom and social justice.

“Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”

George Orwell’s influential work, “Animal Farm,” stands as a poignant exploration of the age-old adage, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Through the allegorical depiction of Manor Farm’s transformation into an oppressive regime under the rule of the pigs, Orwell vividly illustrates the insidious nature of power and its corrupting influence on individuals and institutions. This article delves into the main theme of power and corruption in “Animal Farm,” analyzing its manifestation in the characters, events, and overarching narrative of the novel.

The Rise of Tyranny

At the heart of “Animal Farm” lies the transformation of a hopeful revolution into a totalitarian regime. Initially, the animals’ uprising against Mr. Jones symbolizes their quest for freedom and equality. However, as the pigs seize control and consolidate power, they succumb to the allure of absolute authority. Led by Napoleon, the pigs exploit their positions for personal gain, betraying the principles of Animalism and perpetuating a system of oppression reminiscent of the humans they overthrew. Orwell’s portrayal of the pigs’ descent into tyranny underscores the corrupting influence of unchecked power.

The Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals

Throughout “Animal Farm,” Orwell highlights the betrayal of revolutionary ideals in the pursuit of power. The Seven Commandments of Animalism, initially conceived to uphold equality and solidarity, gradually erode as the pigs manipulate them to justify their own privileges. Squealer’s persuasive propaganda tactics and the rewriting of history exemplify the perversion of truth to maintain the pigs’ grip on power. Orwell’s critique extends beyond the farmyard to reflect the broader disillusionment with political movements that deviate from their original aspirations in favor of self-interest and control.

The Role of Fear and Manipulation

Central to the pigs’ consolidation of power is their manipulation of fear and intimidation. Napoleon’s use of the ferocious dogs as enforcers mirrors the tactics of authoritarian regimes, instilling terror to quell dissent and maintain obedience. Similarly, Squealer’s skillful dissemination of propaganda serves to distort reality and suppress opposition. Orwell underscores how fear and misinformation become potent tools in the hands of those seeking to perpetuate their dominance, reinforcing the theme of power’s corrupting influence.

The Cyclical Nature of Tyranny

As “Animal Farm” concludes, the pigs’ transformation into indistinguishable oppressors mirrors the oppressive regime they initially sought to overthrow. Orwell’s narrative reflects the cyclical nature of tyranny, wherein revolutions often give way to new forms of oppression. Through the tragic fate of the animals, Orwell warns against complacency and the dangers of failing to recognize the signs of authoritarianism.

In “Animal Farm,” George Orwell delivers a powerful indictment of the corrupting influence of power, epitomized by the pigs’ descent into despotism. Through allegory and satire, Orwell exposes the dangers of unchecked authority and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. As readers confront the chilling reality of “Animal Farm,” they are reminded of the enduring relevance of Orwell’s cautionary tale in an ever-changing political landscape. “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”—a timeless maxim that reverberates throughout Orwell’s seminal work, serving as a stark warning against the allure of unchecked authority.

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Theme of Corruption in Animal Farm

In George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm , corruption takes center stage as the animals’ utopian dreams turn into a nightmare. This powerful allegory reflects the dark side of power and the inevitable corruption that follows. Through the characters and events in the story, Orwell highlights the dangers of unchecked authority and the manipulation of language for personal gain.

The Rise of Power

The revolution and its ideals.

At the heart of Animal Farm lies the initial revolution led by the animals against their human oppressors. Inspired by Old Major’s vision of a society where all animals are equal, the animals overthrow Mr. Jones and establish their own government. The ideals of equality, justice, and freedom for all are the driving force behind the revolution.

The Emergence of Leaders

However, power quickly becomes concentrated in the hands of a few animals, namely Napoleon and Snowball. Initially, the two pigs work together in harmony, but as the story unfolds, their differences become apparent. Napoleon, driven by a thirst for power, gradually manipulates the other animals and seizes control.

Manipulation and Propaganda

The manipulation of language.

One of the key tools Napoleon uses to maintain his power is the manipulation of language. He and his propagandist pig, Squealer, revise the commandments of Animalism to suit their own interests. The famous phrase “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” perfectly encapsulates the corruption at the heart of the farm.

The Role of Squealer

Squealer is instrumental in spreading Napoleon’s propaganda and justifying his actions to the other animals. Through persuasive speeches and clever wordplay, Squealer convinces the animals that Napoleon’s actions are for their own good. His ability to distort the truth and control the narrative showcases the power of propaganda in maintaining the corrupted regime.

The Abuse of Power

The reign of terror.

As Napoleon consolidates his power, he becomes increasingly tyrannical. He enforces strict rules and punishments, using fear and intimidation to control the animals. Those who dare to question his authority are swiftly silenced or even killed. The once-egalitarian society of Animal Farm descends into a totalitarian nightmare.

Also Read: Symbolism in Animal Farm

The Exploitation of the Working Class

Under Napoleon’s rule, the working class animals are subjected to harsh conditions and excessive labor. The pigs, on the other hand, live a life of luxury, indulging in excess and breaking their own rules. This stark contrast highlights the inherent inequality that arises when power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Rebellion and Resistance

The spirit of rebellion.

Despite the corruption and oppression, the spirit of rebellion lives on in some of the animals. Characters like Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, embody the perseverance and resilience of those who resist the corrupt regime. However, their efforts are often met with brutal suppression, as Napoleon’s power remains unchallenged.

The Betrayal of Comrades

In their pursuit of power, the pigs betray the principles of Animalism and turn against their fellow animals. They form alliances with humans, disregarding the initial ideals of the revolution. This betrayal serves as a powerful reminder of how corruption can erode even the noblest of intentions.

Lessons for Society

Corruption as a universal phenomenon.

Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of power and corruption, applicable to societies throughout history. Orwell’s portrayal of the farm highlights the universal tendencies of those in power to exploit and manipulate for personal gain.

The Importance of Vigilance

The novel emphasizes the importance of vigilance and critical thinking in the face of corruption. The animals’ failure to recognize and challenge Napoleon’s tyranny until it is too late serves as a warning to societies to remain vigilant against the abuse of power.

The Power of Language and Propaganda

Through the manipulation of language and the use of propaganda, Orwell illustrates how those in power can shape public opinion and control the narrative. The novel serves as a reminder of the dangers of blindly accepting information and the need for a discerning and critical mindset.

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Absolute Power in George Orwell’s Animal Farm

This essay will analyze the theme of power and corruption in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” It will discuss how the novel illustrates the idea that absolute power corrupts absolutely, focusing on the characters’ transformation from oppressed to oppressors. The piece will explore Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism and the allegorical representation of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. It will also consider the broader implications of the novel’s message on power and governance. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Animal Farm.

How it works

George Orwell’s Animal Farm suggests, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely. It simply means the more power and control one has over the other, but then more corruption is possible for that person. There are many examples in the book of power corrupting those in charge. From the essay on Animal Farm , you can learn that in the article the animals in power are the two pigs.. Napoleon is the pig with the most power and Snowball is the second with less power.

Throughout the book, the pigs use their power to get more power.

In the book Old Major, who is a respected animal on the farm. He had given a speech which got all of the animals emotions into rebellion. His power of trust and respect persuaded the other animals into the vision of his dream. Old major at the time had all of the power, but history proved that dictatorship does not work. It will lead them to corruption in a communism style governments. He started to lead the animals into action, which led to a rebellion and problems later on. The power had corrupted society and absolute power that was eventually obtained becomes corrupt within. When Old Major dies, Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball take his place. The first year everything on the farm went great. They were teaching some animals to read and write which helped some of them and the crops that they had grown were perfect at harvest time. Soon after, the farm leaders weren’t so close anymore. Napoleon and Snowball were always in a disagreement. Snowball had made plans to help the farm by building a windmill, but Napoleon decided that he was the one with more power and disagreed with Snowball’s plans. Snowball didn’t want to give up, but one day Napoleon sent his dogs after Snowball and they chased him out of the farm and ended up killing him. After Snowball’s death, Napoleon took over “The Animal Farm. As soon as that happened the farm had food shortages, deaths, and hard laborers. Napoleon used all of his knowledge to take over the farm. He had all the pigs and dogs on his side. Napoleon now had absolute power over all of the animals. Later on, Napoleon’s power had corrupted the whole idea of The Seven Commandments and Animalism. When everything fell into Napoleon’s hands he switched the “All animals are equal to “All animals are equal but some more than others(134). Being equal means everyone is treated the same, not those animals are equal and these animals are more equal. This brought the farm back to exactly how it had started. This exact corrupt decision made the animals think they could not question his unfair decisions simply because some animals are more equal than others. That took away all of their equality and freedom that kept the farm together.

Napoleon and the other pigs take control and have absolute power over the animals. A few examples are one the animals start to agree with Napoleon more as the days go on, Boxer says, “If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right(56). That is how Napoleon gained his motto as “Napoleon is always right. Napoleon continues to make corrupt changes to the commandments and rules as he gains more and more authority. “Napoleon accepted, through Whymper, a contract for four hundred eggs per week(76). It was unfair to the hens and he should have no control over that. Another example would be all of the animals were afraid to question the pigs and their decisions. When Napoleon realizes he has the most power he starts to take an advantage of it. Napoleon starts to tweak the commandments to his own advantage. He creates a rule saying, “The milk and windfall apples should be reserved for the pigs alone(36). Napoleon had only made this rule to benefit himself and his own kind. Squealer says, “surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?(36). Squealer is trying to freak out the other animals into thinking that Napoleon is actually doing the right thing. The pigs should be treated the exact same way as all the other animals. This is actually how Napoleon’s corrupt set of values started. No other animal had the guts to question Napoleon’s power and decisions, which worsened the current situations and made Napoleon become corrupt. Napoleon had made a stern set of rules, but if he happened to break a rule, his fellow pigs would use an euphemism by adding a couple words to the rule to simply explain the true meaning. Then when the other animals thought the pigs were breaking the rules, they were fooled because Napoleon had changed the commandments before they went to read them. Napoleon had so many corrupted morals that he thought any rules he had broke he could simply change them so he was no longer breaking the rules.

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Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm. (2019, May 05). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/

"Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm." PapersOwl.com , 5 May 2019, https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/

PapersOwl.com. (2019). Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 18 Nov. 2024]

"Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm." PapersOwl.com, May 05, 2019. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/

"Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm," PapersOwl.com , 05-May-2019. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/. [Accessed: 18-Nov-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2019). Absolute power in George Orwell's Animal Farm . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/absolute-power-in-george-orwells-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 18-Nov-2024]

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