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Ankita Chakra
23 August 2024 |
On 17 August 1945, George Orwell published the Animal Farm, a political fable and a psychological exploration of the human mind. It was not just a novella about farm animals but a profound and unsettling allegory that showcases the complexities of human nature and, with that, the corrupting nature of power.
Born as Eric Arthur Blair Orwell was a British novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, and critic. He wrote under the pen name George Orwell, a name inspired by his favourite place, the River Orwell.
Orwell, was born in Motihari, Bengal, India, under British rule. His early childhood experiences of being ruled over and class struggles deeply impacted him. At the beginning of his life, he was initially a part of the British Council, serving as a colonial officer in Burma. This experience of being an officer made him question and criticise imperialism. He resigned from the council and started his journey as a writer. He has begun to question the corruption of power in society. The foundation of the animal farm was set in his mind when he joined the Spanish Civil War; he developed a hatred for authoritarianism and propaganda.
The Making of Animal Farm
On the surface, it is about a group of farm animals overthrowing their human owner, Mr Jones, and hoping to establish an egalitarian society where every animal is equal and important. However, the pigs on the farm, led by Napoleon, gradually seize power, and the idea of an egalitarian society gets corrupted. The pigs then re-establish the human they overthrew, giving a chilling proclamation: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
It is a satirical allegory of the Russian revolution and the rise of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. Due to its political views, the book got banned, but the controversy only highlighted it more. Orwell’s determination to question the truth solidified his reputation as a writer. As it is rightly said, the truth will be the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it is.
Orwell also touches on human psychology. He understood that the power struggle is a fundamental aspect of human nature. He showcased this aspect of human nature in the various characters of his novella who struggle to gain control. This novella is a dark reminder of how easily power struggles can lead to tyranny. Through Napoleon's character, Orwell showcased the corrupting influence of power; the leaders contradicted the ideals they claimed after gaining power. The other animals on the farm represent various sections of society and particular groups of people. The hard-working horse represents the exploited working class, whose blind trust in societal propaganda leads to its downfall. The sheep represent the group of people who mindlessly agree on all things; these people are easily manipulated by the people in power. By studying the characters, one can clearly see the darker aspects of human psychology: the capacity to be both submissive and cruel, the willingness to be both deceived and also the deceiver.
The Animal Farm Today
Animal Farm is not just a text in literature but a timeless exploration of human psychology. The novella's characters embody a variety of timeless and universally pertinent human characteristics, including ambition, greed, and betrayal. Orwell included themes of power, corruption, politics, and human nature, and he wrote the novella in a very simple structure, making it relatable to all readers of different ages. Through this novella, Orwell showed us the power of literature to critically examine and also to voice out our opinions, challenging societal norms.
The answer is a definite yes; Orwell’s willingness to speak his opinions challenges privileged ones, who are utilising their powers to satisfy their needs. In a world where the manipulation of truth and the disappearance of principles are pressing concerns, Orwell’s Animal Farm serves as both a warning and a call for action. It acts as a mirror that reflects the faults residing in society, human strengths, and vulnerabilities. It might be a work that is surrounded by many controversies, but it definitely demands to be acknowledged, discussed, and definitely read.
About the author
Ankita Chakra is a Postgraduate student at Kristu Jayanti College, autonomous
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