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THE MESSAGE BEHIND GEORGE ORWELL’S ANIMAL FARM
Saidova Safiya
The student of asia international university
Fayzullayeva Nigina Sur’at qizi
Associated teacher
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15530705
Abstract. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is one of the most profound political allegories of
the twentieth century, cloaked in the simplicity of a fable. Written during the Second World War
and published in 1945, the novella critiques totalitarian regimes, particularly Stalinist Russia, and
exposes the corrupting influence of power and propaganda. This article delves into the layers of
meaning behind the narrative, identifying Orwell’s warning against political oppression, the
cyclical nature of tyranny, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. Through an analysis of
characters, symbols, and key themes, this paper uncovers how Animal Farm reflects Orwell’s
deep mistrust of absolute authority and his commitment to truth and democratic values.
Keywords: George Orwell, Animal Farm, Allegory, Totalitarianism, Stalinism,
Propaganda, Political Satire, Power, Revolution, Dystopia.
Introduction.
George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair, is renowned for his incisive political
commentary and mastery of allegory. Animal Farm, though a deceptively simple novella, is a
powerful critique of political systems that betray the ideals they claim to uphold. The book
operates on multiple levels: as a fable with talking animals, a parody of the Russian Revolution,
and a broader indictment of human susceptibility to manipulation and authoritarianism. This
article seeks to unravel the message behind Orwell’s Animal Farm, exploring how it functions as a
timeless cautionary tale.
Main div.
Historical Context: Orwell and the Russian Revolution. Orwell wrote Animal
Farm as a direct response to the events of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of Joseph
Stalin. Orwell, a democratic socialist, was appalled by the perversion of socialist ideals in the
Soviet Union. The novel parallels the rise and betrayal of the Bolshevik Revolution, with
characters such as Old Major, Napoleon, and Snowball representing Karl Marx/Lenin, Stalin, and
Trotsky respectively. Orwell’s aim was not merely to attack Soviet communism but to reveal the
broader dangers of unchecked political power and the ease with which revolutions are co-opted by
tyrants.
Allegorical Characters and Symbolism. Each character in Animal Farm serves as a
symbolic representation of historical figures or societal archetypes:
Old Major: Symbolizes Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, emdiving the revolutionary
idealism that initially inspires the rebellion.
Napoleon: A direct allegory for Stalin, Napoleon’s character arc illustrates the rise of
authoritarian rule.
Snowball: Represents Leon Trotsky, an intellectual and ideological rival to Stalin,
ultimately ousted through lies and propaganda.
Boxer: The hardworking but naive proletariat, whose loyalty is exploited by those in
power.
Squealer: Symbolizes state propaganda, manipulating truth to control public perception.
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Mr. Jones: The inept and cruel Tsar Nicholas II, overthrown by the revolution.
The Dogs: Stalin’s secret police (NKVD), used to silence dissent and maintain control.
These allegorical figures allow Orwell to dramatize political realities in a format accessible
to a wide audience.
Key Themes and Orwell’s Message. The Corruption of Ideals
Orwell shows how noble ideals such as equality and freedom are easily corrupted. The
animals initially establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, echoing Marxist principles,
but these are gradually altered to serve Napoleon’s agenda.
Power and Control. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Orwell demonstrates how leaders, even those with idealistic beginnings, become corrupt when
unchecked. Napoleon’s gradual consolidation of power mirrors the totalitarian shift in the Soviet
Union.
Propaganda and Language. Squealer’s manipulation of language reflects Orwell’s concern
with how truth can be distorted. The constant revision of history and redefinition of words (“All
animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”) illustrate the power of
propaganda in shaping reality.
Betrayal and Cynicism. The animals’ betrayal is symbolic of the broader betrayal
experienced by citizens under oppressive regimes. Orwell’s message is deeply cynical: revolutions
often lead to new forms of tyranny rather than liberation.
Literary Devices and Narrative Style. Orwell’s use of allegory, satire, and fable enables
him to critique political systems without overt polemic. The simple prose and animal characters
create a false sense of innocence that contrasts sharply with the dark themes. The third-person
omniscient narration offers a detached, almost clinical view of events, enhancing the sense of
inevitability and tragedy.
Relevance Today. Although based on a specific historical moment, Animal Farm remains
relevant in the modern era. The patterns Orwell identified — manipulation of truth, concentration
of power, erosion of democratic ideals — can be observed in various political systems today. The
novel serves as a warning about complacency and the need for constant vigilance in protecting
freedom and equality.
Conclusion.
Animal Farm is far more than a children’s story or a satirical novella. It is a
profound exploration of political reality and human nature. Orwell’s message is clear: the dangers
of totalitarianism lie not just in the hands of dictators, but in the apathy and ignorance of the
masses. Only through education, critical thinking, and active engagement can societies hope to
avoid the fate of the animals on Manor Farm.
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