By George Orwell
When someone says the life you live is basically an exploitation carried by people who feed and shelter you, all that comes to mind is perplexity. But, when Old Major, the Manor Farm’s old boar says it with utmost belief, it is as if the animals in the farm have been deceived all along and it only took for the words of the boar to realize that they are obliged to change it otherwise.
If the point made by Old Major makes true sense, is beyond the book. As George Orwell tried to depict the Russian history with his story, the question of political philosophy lingers all along the book.
After Old Major dies, the other pigs in the farm headed by Snowball, lead the revolution. They wage a war against Mr. Jones and drive him off his farm. Later the pigs, educate the animals in the farm to read and write. But not everyone excel at the skill. They add 7 important rules that animal Farm should abide by.
It is not all roses after it. Mr. Jones returns to claim his farm, but the animals do their best to win the Battle of Cowshed. The plight of the farm later is the core of the Animal Farm.
If the pigs truly are devoted to the upbringing of the animals and hence the farm, or were they far better with Mr. Jones heading the farm.
George, in his attempt to depict Russian Revolution of 1917, tries to portray that there is a huge dismay among the ruled. Does the belief once placed on the leaders stand true, or should it be re-evaluated? How much power does the words in the rules and laws hold; and the stand you can take in your life when the world around you is in chaos!
My thoughts (contains spoilers)
Personally, my thoughts wavered around things like; if at all the animals could read and write just like the pigs, if at all they had the audacity to question them, if at all they had known their role in the farm and how the farm and the pigs could have no meaning if they refused to act as they were demanded to. There were many disturbing thoughts such as, how Boxer’s labor was exploited and how tragic it was, that he could never taste the fruits of his labor.
The power of the image and repeating something strongly and repeatedly, just enough for the new verses to be registered such that you won’t realize you have forgotten the old verses is alarming. The importance of the past and history and the need for it to be carried forward to the future generation and how essential it is for everyone to question things when their hearts says so and not oblige, just because you believe someone. The responsibility of power is so huge, that it could change ages just by the handling of few things, without being realized by the masses.
I really enjoyed the book. Though this book was published in 1945, it is truly a classic. A very short read that renders you with many thoughts and wonders – Animal Farm is worth your time.
Rating: 4.5/5
Lit Loom 