Analyse af George Orwells 'Animal Farm'

Animal Farm is a novella written by George Orwell in 1945 that serves as a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of the Soviet Union. In this analytical essay I will use the historical approach and focus on the corrupting influence of power, the dangers of the use of propaganda and manipulation of language and lastly the struggle and social inequality. Then I will compare the book to the events of the Russian Revolution.

One interesting topic that can be explored about Animal Farm is the corrupting influence of power. Napoleon becomes increasingly more tyrannical and cruel as he builds up his hold on the farm, and the other animals are either too naïve or too afraid to challenge him. This may be seen as a commentary on the Stalinist regime in the Soviet Union, which was marked by widespread corruption and abuse of power. “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.” (p.95) This quote illustrates the way that the pigs who in this case represent the ruling class of the Soviet Union, use their power to manipulate the other animals and to dim the lines between right and wrong. This corrupting influence of power can be seen as a commentary on the Stalinist regime in the Soviet Union, which was marked by widespread corruption and abuse of power. Stalin, much like Napoleon, was able to consolidate his hold on power through a combination of cunning, charisma, and brutal force. They both also used propaganda to present themselves as heroic leaders, while at the same time brutally suppressing any opposition. Stalin's rule was marked by widespread repression, including the use of secret police, purges, and show trials to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to his power.