![]() ![]() When he announces that he wishes to share the contents of his strange dream with his companions, all the animals comply, demonstrating the great respect they have for such an important (that is, "major") figure. This is also an important lesson that we should stay open-minded and draw our own rational conclusion on any issues.A wise and persuasive pig, old Major inspires the rebellion with his rhetorical skill and ability to get the other animals to share his indignation. The story didn't give a strong opinion on whether the way Animal Farm was governed was correct. But the rest of the country suffered greatly from poverty, starvation, and illness. The top officials might still be fine inside their bubble. In reality, no targets were met and the economy was unsustainable. Altogether, it created an illusion that the country was on track towards success. No one was trustworthy and felt safe to be around. ![]() State officials and perhaps citizens lied about their actual work. This was basically how communist states in the last century collapsed. Even animals who saw the discrepancy didn't dare to speak up or lied to themselves that everything was fine. They create propaganda to deceive others. They falsified reasons for their inadequate actions. Leaders of the farm lied about the unfairness towards other animals. The story resonates with the book 12 Rules of Life, primary on Rule 8 - Tell the truth or at least don't lie. They were "educated" well to willfully trust and support the state at any cost. Some were just too dumb to realize what's going on. Some animals were skeptical but they were threatened and deceived to live under the state's control. The Commandments were revised to justify the contradicting actions of the leaders. Others animals suffered but were given hope for a better future if they work hard. Pigs were the only rulers and enjoyed the best food and living environment. Animals were once equal but Napoleon took it to a totalitarian state. Power in the wrong hands amplifies the corruption of being. Millions of lives were lost during these events.Īnimalism and the 7 Commandments were appealing ideals on the surface. The Soviet Union had the Great Purge and Maoist China had the Cultural Revolution. They eliminated the "enemies of the people" who opposed their ideas. They made Five-Year Plans to industrialize the country hoping to beat Western societies. I realized how similar communist states operate like China particularly during the Maoist era. Having to know Napoleon - the tyrannical President of Animal Farm is based Joseph Stalin interested me to dig around the early days of the Soviet Union. They resolve to the slogan of "4 legs good, 2 legs bad" every time. The sheep are blind herd conformers without understanding what's going on. Moses the Raven is a clever talker and spy. There's Boxer - the strong, loyal, and a dedicated horse who believes any problems can be solved by working hard. They serve as smart yet lazy and manipulative characters. Depends on how we interpret pigs, they are actually one of the most intelligent animals. ThoughtsĪnimal stereotypes are used mockingly accurate. It helps us reflect on the ideologies governing a society. Who Should Read It?Īnyone who's interested in how Socialism / Communism was viewed in the early 20th century in the context of a short story (112 pages). I suppose it's because of the civil unrest in HK and also the political conflict between the US and China. I've been into understanding political issues and some history recently. ![]() It's one of the books in the classic novel reading list. "All animals are equal." or are they? How I Discovered It? Then we follow how incidents played out with pigs as the leaders and other hardworking animals believing in their cause. They renamed their home the "Animal Farm" and adopted the 7 Commandments of Animalism after their successful rebellion. Jones to create a society where all animals are free, equal, and happy. The story is about a group of animals who rebel against their neglecting owner Mr. ![]()
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