According to William C. Foster's book, How to Read Literature like a Professor, "Almost all writing is political on some level." (111). In Animal Farm, George Orwell sends a clear message to his readers, demonstrating that greed and hypocrisy can turn an entire society upside down. Using allegory and symbolism, Orwell exposes the true nature of Stalinist Russia; where the population was manipulated by various means, including propaganda, violence and false promises. When examined closely, the numerous characters, events, and ideas in Animal Farm all have something to do with Soviet Russia and communism in general. The intelligent pigs serve as political and ideological leaders on the farm, although Napoleon and Snowball dispute every decision made. , ultimately leading to the latter's exile. In the book, Old Major says: “Why, labor night and day, body and soul, for the overthrow of the human race! This is my message to you, comrades: rebellion!” (9). Just like Karl Marx, Old Major has the idea of a revolution, but can't see his dream materialize. In a way, it also represents Vladimir Lenin because his skull was put on display like Lenin's body, which was displayed in a mausoleum. The book describes Napoleon as "a large Berkshire boar of rather ferocious appearance... with a reputation for getting what he wants" (16). Napoleon is ruthless in his lust for power, even willing to tell lies to escape difficult situations. Above all, he often uses his faithful attack dogs to get rid of animals that threaten his authority. This is comparable to what Joseph Stalin did during his totalitarian regime, using the NKVD, his secret police force, to get rid of his political enemies. On the other hand, Snowball is… middle of paper… the human race has finally been overthrown.” (31). The horn and hoof on the flag represent the new society founded on the farm after the animals overthrew the humans. This is allegorical to the hammer and sickle used by the Soviet Union and other communist states. In fact, references to communist ideals and symbols are quite widespread throughout Animal Farm. “Orwell desperately wants us to get the point, not a point,” says William C. Foster in How to Read Literature Like a Professor (98). When he wrote the book, one of his main goals was to enlighten his readers about the reality of life in the Soviet Union under Stalin. In Animal Farm, Orwell demonstrates what can happen when leaders become greedy, corrupt, and apathetic towards the suffering of their people. Absolute power and dictatorships are particularly dangerous because they are often abused for personal gain.
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