One of the most prominent works of literature in the 20th century, this book has already become a symbol, with its real copy selling over a million copies worldwide. Like no other, the book represents communism and is also concerned with the power of satire in contemplating its devastating issue under the auspices of moral harmony and unity.
The entire scene of the play takes place on a farm in England. A human farmer owns the animals there, and the activity of Napoleon and Snowball has repressed its authoritative owner, Mr. Jones. After subduing Mr Jones, the farm and the animals, comprising the newly formed revolutionary government, create their own government based on cooperation and unity.
Unfortunately, the pigs get a taste of power and establish their tyranny, and the ideals of collaboration and harmony among the animals quickly disappear. The main characters in the play based on the story are Napoleon and Snowball. Other characters are the farm animals. The two pigs embody two competing characteristics within one whole of a given system: one being loyal and the other being rebellious.
Orwell’s use of allegory and symbolism in Animal Farm implies several different literal and metaphorical meanings. The farm is a miniature society; each animal represents a social class, a political current, or a historical figure, sharply presenting different aspects of human civilisation. While the pigs are the ruling class, the rest of the animals are characterised as the oppressed masses or the proletariat. The concepts of equality, justice, and power corruption are only a few of the themes that demonstrate the resemblance of totalitarian regimes.
Written at the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, Animal Farm was severely influenced by the author’s disappointment with totalitarianism and the betrayal of the fundamentals of socialism it demonstrated. The writer reflects the warning against the risks of authoritarianism and propaganda, underscoring the importance of democracy’s silence before tyranny.
The narrative technique of Animal Farm is plain, pure, and straightforward. The simple, easy-to-understand writing language makes this novella understandable for people of all ages and nationalities. The animals are picturesquely represented as characters with the help of their dialogues, personifying archetypical and easy-to-recognise individuals. The irony and symbolism make the novel fresh and enjoyable and allow the reader to think about the book’s issue.
From the moment of publication, the piece has been met with critical acclaim and enjoyed excellent success among audiences. Its existence has been demonstrated to be one of the most important pieces of literary work of the twentieth century. Orwell’s condemnation of totalitarianism, dissemination, and festering power has maintained its relevance for people across the globe. The novel has been translated into many languages and has become a big hit on the big and small screens and stages. It has become the primary curriculum in academic institutions around the world.
In conclusion, Orwell’s Animal Farm is an illustration of the capacity of literature to observe the basest features of human nature, as well as imagination. Orwell’s warning and sociopolitical commentary have captured the minds of generation after generation to understand the long-term detrimental consequences of despotic regimes and, at the same time, frigging passion for unwary despots. As the modern reader can confirm, Animal Farm is a cautionary tale of what happens when individuals forget and have a right to call for freedom, justice, and equivalence.