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Animal Farm by George Orwell

All Animals are Equal but Some Animals are more Equal than Others

• Publisher: Harcourt, Brace and Company
• Genre: Allegory, Satire
• First Publication: 1945
• Language:  English

Major Characters: Snowball, Napoleon, Clover, Boxer, Old Major, Muriel, Jones, Squealer, Moses the Raven, Benjamin

Setting Place: A farm somewhere in England in the first half of the 20th century

Theme:  Revolution and Corruption, Totalitarianism, Power, Soviet Union

Narrator:  Third Person narration

Book Summary: Animal Farm by George Orwell

As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals, and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published.

As we witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, we begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization; and in our most charismatic leaders, the souls of our cruelest oppressors.

Book Review: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell captures the themes of oppression, rebellion and history repeating itself. Animal Farm begins like an ambitious children’s tale: After Mr. Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, falls asleep in a drunken stupor, all of his animals meet in the big barn at the request of old Major, a 12-year-old pig. Major delivers a rousing political speech about the evils inflicted upon them by their human keepers and their need to rebel against the tyranny of Man.

Shortly after, when Jones forgets to feed the animals, the revolution occurs, and Jones and his men are chased off the farm. Manor Farm is renamed Animal Farm, and the Seven Commandments of Animalism are painted on the barn wall, the most important being “ All animals are created equal “, which is later changed into “ All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. ” Through the revision of the commandments, Orwell demonstrates how simply political dogma can be turned into malleable propaganda.

“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.”

Animal Farm by George Orwell maybe not really children’s book material! There’s some heavy stuff. According to Orwell, the book reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. He believed, the Soviet Union had become a brutal dictatorship, built upon a cult of personality and enforced by a reign of terror.

“I meant the moral to be that revolutions only effect a radical improvement when the masses are alert and know how to chuck out their leaders as soon as the latter have done their job. The turning-point of the story was supposed to be when the pigs kept the milk and apples for themselves.” – George Orwell on Animal Farm

In his essay  Why I Write  (1946), he wrote that Animal Farm was the first book in which he tried, with full consciousness of what he was doing, “ to fuse political purpose and artistic purpose into one whole “. In my humble opinion, he mastered that with flying colors.

The revolt of the animals against Farmer Jones is Orwell’s analogy with the October 1917 Bolshevik Revolution . The Battle of the Cowshed has been said to represent the allied invasion of Soviet Russia in 1918. The pigs’ rise to pre-eminence mirrors the rise of a Stalinist bureaucracy in the USSR, just as Napoleon’s emergence as the farm’s sole leader reflects Stalin’s emergence. The pigs’ appropriation of milk and apples for their own use stands as an analogy for the crushing of the left-wing 1921 Kronstadt revolt against the Bolsheviks, and the difficult efforts of the animals to build the windmill suggest the various Five Year Plans.

“The only good human being is a dead one.”

I am not a history buff and I wasn’t acquainted with all of the historic events mirrored in Animal Farm, nonetheless, Orwell’s narrative remained accessible, since it can not only be coined to the Russian Revolution but to revolutions and change in leadership in general. Animal Farm by George Orwell details the history of humankind on this planet. History repeating itself. People being driven by money and profit.

Animal Farm by George Orwell closes with the pigs and men in a kind of rapprochement, reflected Orwell’s view of the 1943 Teheran Conference that seemed to display the establishment of “ the best possible relations between the USSR and the West “—but in reality were destined, as Orwell presciently predicted, to continue to unravel. The disagreement between the allies and the start of the Cold War is suggested when Napoleon and Pilkington, both suspicious, “ played an ace of spades simultaneously “. Of course, only one of the two is technically cheating, but Orwell does not indicate which one because such a fact is unimportant.

Another theme of Animal Farm by George Orwell that also strikes a satiric note is the idea of religion being the “ opium of the people ” (as Karl Marx famously wrote). Moses the raven’s talk of Sugarcandy Mountain originally annoys many of the animals, since Moses, known as a “teller of tales,” seems an unreliable source. At this point, the animals are still hopeful for a better future and therefore dismiss Moses’ stories of a paradise elsewhere. As their lives worsen, however, the animals begin to believe him, because “ Their lives now, they reasoned, were hungry and laborious; Was it not right and just that a better world should exist somewhere else? ”

“Man serves the interests of no creature except himself.”

Here, Orwell mocks the futile dreaming of a better place that clearly does not exist. The pigs allow Moses to stay on the farm — and even encourage his presence by rewarding him with beer — because they know that his stories of Sugarcandy Mountain will keep the animals docile: As long as there is some better world somewhere — even after death — the animals will trudge through this one. Thus Orwell implies that religious devotion — viewed by many as a noble character trait — can actually distort the ways in which one thinks of his or her life on earth.

In conclusion, Animal Farm by George Orwell is a novel that completely shook me. A novel that will haunt and accompany for the rest of my life, and that I will continue to dread and look forward to picking up again and again and again.

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A Summary and Analysis of George Orwell’s Animal Farm

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Animal Farm is, after Nineteen Eighty-Four , George Orwell’s most famous book. Published in 1945, the novella (at under 100 pages, it’s too short to be called a full-blown ‘novel’) tells the story of how a group of animals on a farm overthrow the farmer who puts them to work, and set up an equal society where all animals work and share the fruits of their labours.

However, as time goes on, it becomes clear that the society the animals have constructed is not equal at all. It’s well-known that the novella is an allegory for Communist Russia under Josef Stalin, who was leader of the Soviet Union when Orwell wrote the book. Before we dig deeper into the context and meaning of Animal Farm with some words of analysis, it might be worth refreshing our memories with a brief summary of the novella’s plot.

Animal Farm: plot summary

The novella opens with an old pig, named Major, addressing his fellow animals on Manor Farm. Major criticises Mr Jones, the farmer who owns Manor Farm, because he controls the animals, takes their produce (the hens’ eggs, the cows’ milk), but gives them little in return. Major tells the other animals that man, who walks on two feet unlike the animals who walk on four, is their enemy.

They sing a rousing song in favour of animals, ‘Beasts of England’. Old Major dies a few days later, but the other animals have been inspired by his message.

Two pigs in particular, Snowball and Napoleon, rouse the other animals to take action against Mr Jones and seize the farm for themselves. They draw up seven commandments which all animals should abide by: among other things, these commandments forbid an animal to kill another animal, and include the mantra ‘four legs good, two legs bad’, because animals (who walk on four legs) are their friends while their two-legged human overlords are evil. (We have analysed this famous slogan here .)

The animals lead a rebellion against Mr Jones, whom they drive from the farm. They rename Manor Farm ‘Animal Farm’, and set about running things themselves, along the lines laid out in their seven commandments, where every animal is equal. But before long, it becomes clear that the pigs – especially Napoleon and Snowball – consider themselves special, requiring special treatment, as the leaders of the animals.

Nevertheless, when Mr Jones and some of the other farmers lead a raid to try to reclaim the farm, the animals work together to defend the farm and see off the men. A young farmhand is knocked unconscious, and initially feared dead.

Things begin to fall apart: Napoleon’s windmill, which he has instructed the animals to build, is vandalised and he accuses Snowball of sabotaging it. Snowball is banished from the farm. During winter, many of the animals are on the brink of starvation.

Napoleon engineers it so that when Mr Whymper, a man from a neighbouring farm with whom the pigs have started to trade (so the animals can acquire the materials they need to build the windmill), visits the farm, he overhears the animals giving a positive account of life on Animal Farm.

Without consulting the hens first, Napoleon organises a deal with Mr Whymper which involves giving him many of the hens’ eggs. They rebel against him, but he starves them into submission, although not before nine hens have died. Napoleon then announces that Snowball has been visiting the farm at night and destroying things.

Napoleon also claims that Snowball has been in league with Mr Jones all the time, and that even at the Battle of the Cowshed (as the animals are now referring to the farmers’ unsuccessful raid on the farm) Snowball was trying to sabotage the fight so that Jones won.

The animals are sceptical about this, because they all saw Snowball bravely fighting alongside them. Napoleon declares he has discovered ‘secret documents’ which prove Snowball was in league with their enemy.

Life on Animal Farm becomes harder for the animals, and Boxer, while labouring hard to complete the windmill, falls and injures his lung. The pigs arrange for him to be taken away and treated, but when the van arrives and takes him away, they realise too late that the van belongs to a man who slaughters horses, and that Napoleon has arranged for Boxer to be taken away to the knacker’s yard and killed.

Squealer lies to the animals, though, and when he announces Boxer’s death two days later, he pretends that the van had been bought by a veterinary surgeon who hadn’t yet painted over the old sign on the side of the van. The pigs take to wearing green ribbons and order in another crate of whisky for them to drink; they don’t share this with the other animals.

A few years pass, and some of the animals die, Napoleon and Squealer get fatter, and none of the animals is allowed to retire, as previously promised. The farm gets bigger and richer, but the luxuries the animals had been promised never materialised: they are told that the real pleasure is derived from hard work and frugal living.

Then, one day, the animals see Squealer up on his hind legs, walking on two legs like a human instead of on four like an animal.

The other pigs follow; and Clover and Benjamin discover that the seven commandments written on the barn wall have been rubbed off, to be replace by one single commandment: ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.’ The pigs start installing radio and a telephone in the farmhouse, and subscribe to newspapers.

Finally, the pigs invite humans into the farm to drink with them, and announce a new partnership between the pigs and humans. Napoleon announces to his human guests that the name of the farm is reverting from Animal Farm to the original name, Manor Farm.

The other animals from the farm, observing this through the window, can no longer tell which are the pigs and which are the men, because Napoleon and the other pigs are behaving so much like men now.

Things have gone full circle: the pigs are no different from Mr Jones (indeed, are worse).

Animal Farm: analysis

First, a very brief history lesson, by way of context for Animal Farm . In 1917, the Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, was overthrown by Communist revolutionaries.

These revolutionaries replaced the aristocratic rule which had been a feature of Russian society for centuries with a new political system: Communism, whereby everyone was equal. Everyone works, but everyone benefits equally from the results of that work. Josef Stalin became leader of Communist Russia, or the Soviet Union, in the early 1920s.

However, it soon became apparent that Stalin’s Communist regime wasn’t working: huge swathes of the population were working hard, but didn’t have enough food to survive. They were starving to death.

But Stalin and his politicians, who themselves were well-off, did nothing to combat this problem, and indeed actively contributed to it. But they told the people that things were much better since the Russian Revolution and the overthrow of the Tsar, than things had been before, under Nicholas II. The parallels with Orwell’s Animal Farm are crystal-clear.

Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the formation of a Communist regime in Russia (as the Soviet Union). We offer a fuller definition of allegory in a separate post, but the key thing is that, although it was subtitled A Fairy Story , Orwell’s novella is far from being a straightforward tale for children. It’s also political allegory, and even satire.

The cleverness of Orwell’s approach is that he manages to infuse his story with this political meaning while also telling an engaging tale about greed, corruption, and ‘society’ in a more general sense.

One of the commonest techniques used in both Stalinist Russia and in Animal Farm is what’s known as ‘gaslighting’ (meaning to manipulate someone by psychological means so they begin to doubt their own sanity; the term is derived from the film adaptation of Gaslight , a play by Patrick Hamilton).

For instance, when Napoleon and the other pigs take to eating their meals and sleeping in the beds in the house at Animal Farm, Clover is convinced this goes against one of the seven commandments the animals drew up at the beginning of their revolution.

But one of the pigs has altered the commandment (‘No animal shall sleep in a bed’), adding the words ‘ with sheets ’ to the end of it. Napoleon and the other pigs have rewritten history, but they then convince Clover that she is the one who is mistaken, and that she’s misremembered what the wording of the commandment was.

Another example of this technique – which is a prominent feature of many totalitarian regimes, namely keep the masses ignorant as they’re easier to manipulate that way – is when Napoleon claims that Snowball has been in league with Mr Jones all along. When the animals question this, based on all of the evidence to the contrary, Napoleon and Squealer declare they have ‘secret documents’ which prove it.

But the other animals can’t read them, so they have to take his word for it. Squealer’s lie about the van that comes to take Boxer away (he claims it’s going to the vet, but it’s clear that Boxer is really being taken away to be slaughtered) is another such example.

Communist propaganda

Much as Stalin did in Communist Russia, Napoleon actively rewrites history , and manages to convince the animals that certain things never happened or that they are mistaken about something. This is a feature that has become more and more prominent in political society, even in non-totalitarian ones: witness our modern era of ‘fake news’ and media spin where it becomes difficult to ascertain what is true any more.

The pigs also convince the other animals that they deserve to eat the apples themselves because they work so hard to keep things running, and that they will have an extra hour in bed in the mornings. In other words, they begin to become the very thing they sought to overthrow: they become like man.

They also undo the mantra that ‘all animals are equal’, since the pigs clearly think they’re not like the other animals and deserve special treatment. Whenever the other animals question them, one question always succeeds in putting an end to further questioning: do they want to see Jones back running the farm? As the obvious answer is ‘no’, the pigs continue to get away with doing what they want.

Squealer is Napoleon’s propagandist, ensuring that the decisions Napoleon makes are ‘spun’ so that the other animals will accept them and carry on working hard.

And we can draw a pretty clear line between many of the major characters in Animal Farm and key figures of the Russian Revolution and Stalinist Russia. Napoleon, the leader of the animals, is Joseph Stalin; Old Major , whose speech rouses the animals to revolution, partly represents Vladimir Lenin, who spearheaded the Russian Revolution of 1917 (although he is also a representative of Karl Marx , whose ideas inspired the Revolution); Snowball, who falls out with Napoleon and is banished from the farm, represents Leon Trotsky, who was involved in the Revolution but later went to live in exile in Mexico.

Squealer, meanwhile, is based on Molotov (after whom the Molotov cocktail was named); Molotov was Stalin’s protégé, much as Squealer is encouraged by Napoleon to serve as Napoleon’s right-hand (or right-hoof?) man (pig).

Publication

Animal Farm very nearly didn’t make it into print at all. First, not long after Orwell completed the first draft in February 1944, his flat on Mortimer Crescent in London was bombed in June, and he feared the typescript had been destroyed. Orwell later found it in the rubble.

Then, Orwell had difficulty finding a publisher. T. S. Eliot, at Faber and Faber, rejected it because he feared that it was the wrong sort of political message for the time.

The novella was eventually published the following year, in 1945, and its relevance – as political satire, as animal fable, and as one of Orwell’s two great works of fiction – shows no signs of abating.

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Animal Farm by George Orwell: A Timeless Political Allegory

01 Oct Animal Farm by George Orwell: A Timeless Political Allegory

Introduction

First published in 1945, “Animal Farm” is a masterpiece of political satire that uses the setting of a farm and its animals to allegorically represent the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. At its core, the novel explores how noble ideals can be twisted and corrupted by those in power, ultimately leading to oppression and tyranny.

Orwell’s brilliance lies in his ability to distill complex political concepts into a deceptively simple narrative that can be understood and appreciated by readers of all ages. The book has been widely recognized for its literary merit and political insight, earning a place on numerous “best books” lists and becoming a staple in classrooms around the world.

Plot Summary

The story begins on Manor Farm, where the animals, tired of their exploitation by human farmer Mr. Jones, stage a rebellion and take control of the farm. Led by the pigs, who are considered the most intelligent animals, they establish a new society based on the principles of “Animalism,” which declares all animals equal and free from human oppression.

Initially, life on the newly renamed Animal Farm is harmonious and productive. However, as time passes, the pigs, particularly the cunning Napoleon and his propaganda minister Squealer, begin to assume more power and privileges. They gradually manipulate the farm’s rules and ideals to suit their own interests, using fear, manipulation, and revisionist history to maintain control over the other animals.

As the story progresses, the animals find themselves working harder than ever while the pigs enjoy an increasingly luxurious lifestyle. The farm’s original commandments are altered to justify the pigs’ behavior and any animals who question the new order are silenced or eliminated. The novel builds to a chilling conclusion that serves as a stark warning about the corrupting nature of power.

Character Descriptions

Orwell’s characters are masterfully crafted, each representing different facets of society and political figures. Here are some of the most notable:

• Napoleon: The main antagonist, a Berkshire boar who represents Joseph Stalin. Napoleon is cunning, ruthless, and power-hungry, gradually transforming from a revolutionary leader into a tyrannical dictator.
• Snowball: Initially co-leader with Napoleon, Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. He is intelligent, passionate about improving the farm, but ultimately outmaneuvered and exiled by Napoleon.
• Boxer: A loyal and hardworking cart-horse, Boxer represents the working class. His motto, “I will work harder,” and his unwavering belief in the pigs’ leadership make him both admirable and tragic.
• Squealer: Napoleon’s chief propagandist, Squealer is a skilled orator who manipulates language to justify the pigs’ actions and keep the other animals in line.
• Benjamin: The cynical donkey who sees through the pigs’ lies but does nothing to stop them, representing the intellectual class who recognize corruption but fail to act.

Orwell’s characterization is particularly effective in how he imbues each animal with distinct personalities while still maintaining their animal natures. This balance allows readers to empathize with the characters while never forgetting the allegorical nature of the story.

Boxer being taken to the slaughterhouse

One of “Animal Farm’s” greatest strengths is its accessibility. The simple prose and familiar farm setting make the story easy to follow, even as it tackles complex political ideas. This accessibility allows Orwell to reach a wide audience, making his critique of totalitarianism more impactful.

Another strength is the book’s timelessness. While it was written as a specific critique of Stalinism, the themes of corruption, propaganda, and the abuse of power remain relevant in any political context. This universality ensures that “Animal Farm” continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication.

If I had to identify a weakness, it might be that the allegorical nature of the story can sometimes feel heavy-handed. Some readers might find the one-to-one correspondence between characters and historical figures too obvious. However, I believe this directness is part of what makes the book so effective as a political critique.

Literary Devices

Orwell employs several literary devices to great effect:

• Allegory: The entire novel is an extended allegory for the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.
• Irony: The pigs’ gradual transformation into the very humans they once despised is deeply ironic.
• Symbolism: Various elements symbolize aspects of political systems, such as the windmill representing Soviet industrialization.
• Satire: The book uses humor and ridicule to criticize political corruption and totalitarianism.

Themes and Motifs

“Animal Farm” explores several interconnected themes:

• The Corruption of Power: The central theme of the novel, illustrated by the pigs’ gradual transformation from revolutionaries to oppressors.
• The Role of Education and Intelligence: The pigs use their superior intelligence to manipulate and control the other animals, highlighting the dangers of an uneducated populace.
• The Power of Language and Propaganda: Squealer’s ability to twist words and rewrite history demonstrates how language can be used as a tool of oppression.
• The Importance of Memory and History: The animals’ inability to remember the past allows the pigs to manipulate the present.

These themes are reinforced through recurring motifs such as the changing of the Seven Commandments, the use of slogans like “Four legs good, two legs bad,” and the gradual erosion of the animals’ rights and freedoms.

Writing Style and Tone

Orwell’s writing style in “Animal Farm” is deceptively simple. He uses clear, straightforward prose that belies the complexity of the ideas he’s conveying. This simplicity is crucial to the book’s effectiveness as both a fable and a political critique.

The tone of the novel is primarily satirical, with Orwell using humor and irony to highlight the absurdities of totalitarian regimes. However, there’s also a sense of tragedy that builds throughout the story, culminating in the chilling final scene.

Here’s a passage that exemplifies Orwell’s style:

“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.”

This simple yet powerful description encapsulates the entire theme of the book in a single, memorable image.

Evaluation and Conclusion

“Animal Farm” is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of political literature. Its ability to convey complex ideas through a simple narrative is unparalleled, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The book’s greatest strength lies in its timelessness – while it was written as a specific critique of Stalinism, its themes of power, corruption, and propaganda remain relevant in any political context.

Compared to Orwell’s other famous work, “ 1984 ,” “Animal Farm” is more allegorical and perhaps more accessible. While “1984” presents a fully realized dystopian future, “Animal Farm” uses familiar elements to make its point, which can be more immediately impactful for some readers.

I would highly recommend “Animal Farm” to anyone interested in politics, history, or simply great literature. It’s particularly valuable for young adults who are just beginning to engage with political ideas, as it provides a clear and compelling illustration of how power can corrupt even the most idealistic movements.

In conclusion, “Animal Farm” is a book that every reader should experience. Its lessons about the nature of power and the importance of vigilance in the face of corruption are as relevant today as they were when Orwell first penned them. This slim volume packs a powerful punch that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the final page.

Favorite Quotes

• “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This famous quote encapsulates the hypocrisy of the pigs’ regime and serves as a powerful critique of totalitarian systems that claim equality while maintaining a privileged elite.
• “Four legs good, two legs bad.” This simple slogan, later altered to “Four legs good, two legs better,” demonstrates how easily political rhetoric can be manipulated to serve those in 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.” This final line of the book powerfully illustrates how the revolutionaries have become indistinguishable from the oppressors they once fought against.
• “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing.” This early statement by Old Major sets up the initial conflict and justification for the animals’ rebellion, highlighting the exploitation that drives the plot.
• “Windmill or no windmill, life would go on as it had always gone on – that is, badly.” This quote from Benjamin the donkey reflects his cynical worldview and foreshadows the ultimate failure of the animals’ revolution to create lasting change.

FAQ Section

• Q: What is the main message of “Animal Farm”? A: The main message of “Animal Farm” is that power corrupts, and that even well-intentioned revolutions can lead to tyranny if those in power are not held accountable.
• Q: Who do the pigs represent in “Animal Farm”? A: The pigs represent the Bolshevik leadership of the Russian Revolution, with Napoleon specifically representing Joseph Stalin and Snowball representing Leon Trotsky.
• Q: Why was “Animal Farm” banned in some countries? A: “Animal Farm” was banned in many communist countries because of its clear criticism of Stalinism and totalitarian regimes. It was seen as a threat to these governments’ control over their populations.
• Q: Is “Animal Farm” suitable for children? A: While “Animal Farm” can be read as a simple fable by younger readers, its political themes and sometimes dark content make it more suitable for older children and adults who can understand its allegorical nature.
• Q: How does “Animal Farm” relate to real historical events? A: “Animal Farm” is an allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. Many events in the book directly parallel real historical events, such as the exile of Trotsky (represented by Snowball’s expulsion) and Stalin’s use of propaganda and violence to maintain power.

Spoilers/How Does It End

By the end of “Animal Farm,” the pigs have completely transformed into the very humans they once rebelled against. They walk on two legs, wear clothes, and even engage in business dealings with human farmers. The Seven Commandments of Animalism have been reduced to a single, chilling statement: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

The other animals, watching through the farmhouse window, can no longer distinguish between the pigs and the humans they are dining with. This powerful image drives home the book’s central message about the corrupting nature of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.

In terms of character growth, we see a tragic devolution rather than positive development. Napoleon and the other pigs have become cruel dictators, while the hardworking animals like Boxer have been exploited to the point of death. Benjamin, the cynical donkey, remains unchanged, and his pessimism is ultimately justified.

As for what might come next, Orwell leaves this to our imagination. However, the implication is clear: without significant change or intervention, the cycle of oppression will continue, with the animals remaining under the tyrannical rule of the pigs.

About the Author

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. He is best known for his novels “Animal Farm” and “1984,” both powerful critiques of totalitarianism.

Orwell’s experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War and working for the BBC during World War II greatly influenced his political views and his writing. He was a democratic socialist who was deeply critical of totalitarianism in all its forms, whether fascist or communist.

Other notable works by Orwell include “Homage to Catalonia,” an account of his experiences in the Spanish Civil War, and “Down and Out in Paris and London,” a memoir of his experiences living in poverty. His essays, such as “Politics and the English Language,” continue to be widely read and studied.

Orwell’s influence on literature and political thought cannot be overstated. His concepts of “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “Newspeak” from “1984” have entered common usage, and “Orwellian” has become a byword for totalitarian or authoritarian social practices.

Compared to his other works, “Animal Farm” stands out for its use of allegory and its accessibility. While “1984” presents a fully realized dystopian future, “Animal Farm” uses familiar elements to make its point, which can be more immediately impactful for some readers.

Publication History and Reception

“Animal Farm” was first published on August 17, 1945, in England. Despite its now-recognized status as a classic, the book initially struggled to find a publisher due to its criticism of the Soviet Union, then an ally of Britain in World War II.

Upon its release, “Animal Farm” was generally well-received by critics, who praised its wit and political insight. However, some left-wing critics were less enthusiastic, viewing it as an attack on socialism as a whole rather than specifically on Stalinism.

Over time, the book’s reputation has only grown. It has been widely translated and has never been out of print since its first publication. In 2000, it was named number 31 on the Modern Library List of Best 20th-Century Novels.

“Animal Farm” has been adapted into various media, including:

• A 1954 animated film
• A 1999 live-action TV film
• Various stage adaptations
• A radio dramatization by BBC Radio 4

The book is not part of a series, but it is often paired with Orwell’s other famous novel, “ 1984 ,” in discussions of political literature and dystopian fiction.

“Animal Farm” has received numerous accolades over the years, including being listed as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Bibliographic Details

• Author: George Orwell
• Title: Animal Farm
• Applicable Genres: Political satire, Allegory, Dystopian fiction
• FIC028000 FICTION / Science Fiction / General
• FIC037000 FICTION / Political
• FIC044000 FICTION / Contemporary Women
• Edition: Various editions available
• Publisher: Secker and Warburg (original publisher)
• Place of publication: London, England
• Year of publication: 1945 (original publication)
• ISBN: 978-0451526342 (for the Signet Classics paperback edition)
• Page count: Approximately 140 pages (varies by edition)
• Format: Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats
• Language: English
• Subject: Political allegory, Totalitarianism, Russian Revolution
• Library of Congress Classification: PR6029.R8 A63
• Dewey Decimal Classification: 823.912
• Notes: Rejected by several publishers before being accepted for publication due to its political content

Where to Buy

You can purchase “Animal Farm” from various retailers, but I recommend supporting independent bookstores through Bookshop.org. Here’s an affiliate link to purchase the book:

Buy Animal Farm on Bookshop.org

Other Reviews

Here are some other notable reviews of “Animal Farm” from around the web:

• Goodreads – Aggregate reader reviews and ratings. (4.18/5 stars from over 3 million ratings)
• Kirkus Reviews – A brief but insightful review from a respected literary journal. (Starred review)

Sample Exam Questions

• Q: How does Orwell use the character of Boxer to represent the working class in Soviet Russia? A: Boxer represents the loyal and hardworking proletariat. His strength and dedication to the farm (and the pigs’ leadership) symbolize the Russian working class’s commitment to the revolution and their subsequent exploitation by the ruling class.
• Q: Analyze the significance of the windmill in the story. A: The windmill represents Soviet industrialization efforts. Its repeated destruction and rebuilding symbolize the challenges and often futile nature of these efforts, as well as the way leaders can use grand projects to distract from other issues.
• Q: Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Napoleon and Snowball. A: Snowball is idealistic and focused on improving life for all animals, while Napoleon is cunning and self-serving. Snowball uses persuasion and education, while Napoleon relies on force and manipulation. Their conflict represents the power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky.
• Q: Discuss the role of propaganda in “Animal Farm” and how it relates to real-world political situations. A: Propaganda, primarily spread by Squealer, is used to control the animals by rewriting history, justifying the pigs’ actions, and creating external threats. This mirrors the use of propaganda in totalitarian regimes to maintain power and suppress dissent.
• Q: How does the evolution of the Seven Commandments throughout the novel reflect the corruption of the revolution’s ideals? A: The gradual changes to the Seven Commandments, culminating in the single rule “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” represent how the original ideals of the revolution are slowly corrupted to serve the interests of those in power.

Citations: [1] https://techietonics.com/thinking-turf/book-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell.html [2] https://patricktreardon.com/book-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/ [3] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/170448.Animal_Farm [4] https://warmdayswillnevercease.wordpress.com/2016/09/26/book-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/ [5] https://www.momsplans.com/animal-farm-by-george-orwell-a-book-review/ [6] https://trey-stone.com/2022/02/14/book-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/ [7] https://beckysbookblog.co.uk/2021/10/17/book-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/ [8] https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/book-reviews/mini-review-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/ [9] Assist by ChatGPT

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‘Animal Farm’: What Orwell Really Meant

July 11, 2013 issue

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Following is an excerpt from a letter from George Orwell to Dwight Macdonald, written in December 1946, soon after the publication of Animal Farm in the US. According to the editor of the letters, Peter Davison, who also supplied the footnotes, Macdonald wrote Orwell that

anti-Stalinist intellectuals of his acquaintance claimed that the parable of Animal Farm meant that revolution always ended badly for the underdog, “hence to hell with it and hail the status quo.” He himself read the book as applying solely to Russia and not making any larger statement about the philosophy of revolution. “I’ve been impressed with how many leftists I know make this criticism quite independently of each other—impressed because it didn’t occur to me when reading the book and still doesn’t seem correct to me. Which view would you say comes closer to you own intentions?”

Orwell’s reply will appear in George Orwell: Life in Letters , to be published by Liveright in August.

Re. your query about Animal Farm . Of course I intended it primarily as a satire on the Russian revolution. But I did mean it to have a wider application in so much that I meant that that kind of revolution (violent conspiratorial revolution, led by unconsciously power-hungry people) can only lead to a change of masters. I meant the moral to be that revolutions only effect a radical improvement when the masses are alert and know how to chuck out their leaders as soon as the latter have done their job. The turning-point of the story was supposed to be when the pigs kept the milk and apples for themselves (Kronstadt). 1 If the other animals had had the sense to put their foot down then, it would have been all right. If people think I am defending the status quo , that is, I think, because they have grown pessimistic and assume that there is no alternative except dictatorship or laissez-faire capitalism. In the case of Trotskyists, there is the added complication that they feel responsible for events in the USSR up to about 1926 and have to assume that a sudden degeneration took place about that date. Whereas I think the whole process was foreseeable—and was foreseen by a few people, eg. Bertrand Russell—from the very nature of the Bolshevik party. What I was trying to say was, “You can’t have a revolution unless you make it for yourself; there is no such thing as a benevolent dictat[or]ship. 2

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Copyright © George Orwell. First American Edition 2013.

George Orwell (1903–1950) was the author of Animal Farm and 1984 , among many other works of fiction and journalism. dwight macdonald was an editor of Partisan Review 
and the founder, during World War II, of the magazine Politics , which he edited at the time of his correspondence with Orwell. Peter Davison edited the twenty volumes of Orwell’s Complete Works , the Facsimile Edition of the Manuscript of 1984 , and The Lost Orwell .

CLOVER : Do you think that it is quite fair to appropriate the apples?

MOLLY : What, keep all the apples for themselves?

MURIEL : Aren’t we to have any?

COW : I thought they were to be shared out equally.

Unfortunately, Rayner Heppenstall cut these from the script as broadcast.  ↩

When Yvonne Davet wrote to Orwell on September 6, 1946, she told him that the title initially chosen for the French translation of Animal Farm was to be URSA—Union des Républiques Socialistes Animales (=URSA, the Bear) but it was changed “to avoid offending the Stalinists too much, which I think is a pity.”  ↩

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Parents' guide to, animal farm.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 16 Reviews
• Kids Say 129 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Classic satirical allegory about the abuse of power.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Animal Farm is George Orwell's biting satire of totalitarianism, written in the wake of World War II and published amid the rise of Soviet Russia. Though it tells a fairly simple story of barnyard animals trying to manage themselves after rebelling against their masters, the novel…

Why Age 11+?

The animals rebel against their human master and chase him from the farm. When F

Even though the use of alcohol is prohibited on the farm, the pigs eventually fe

Any Positive Content?

George Orwell's novel about totalitarianism in general and Stalinism in particul

The main message of Animal Farm is pretty bleak -- in essence, "Don't let this h

Many of the characters care about their community, but few understand how they'r

The different animal species represent human social classes. Pigs place themselv

Violence & Scariness

The animals rebel against their human master and chase him from the farm. When Farmer Jones returns with his neighbors, now armed with a gun, the animals attack the intruders and inflict various bites and cuts on them. Later, the pigs use their guard dogs to keep order on the farm. Some animals are publicly executed for crimes for which they've supposedly confessed. Animals die in another battle with the humans. The violence in the novel isn't described in detail, but its emotional implications might be upsetting.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Even though the use of alcohol is prohibited on the farm, the pigs eventually feel free to get drunk whenever the mood strikes them.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Educational Value

George Orwell's novel about totalitarianism in general and Stalinism in particular is one of the most famous satires in the English language. It comments on Soviet Russia specifically and human folly in general. That said, extra research is needed to tie the characters and events of Animal Farm to their counterparts in history.

Positive Messages

The main message of Animal Farm is pretty bleak -- in essence, "Don't let this happen." Most animals mean well and want their farm to succeed, but none are a match for the treachery of their leaders. It takes humility, perseverance, and teamwork to achieve something seemingly impossible, like animals running their own farm. You need courage to speak out against injustice and integrity to make the world better for others (which the surviving animals ultimately lack).

Positive Role Models

Many of the characters care about their community, but few understand how they're being exploited until it's too late. For example, Boxer the horse steadfastly supports the farm and pushes himself to great acts of strength for the good of all. But even he is unprepared for his ultimate fate once he's no longer needed. Animals like Snowball, the four feeder pigs, and the hens show courage and integrity in standing up for what's right, but they're overwhelmed by Napoleon and his corrupt followers.

Diverse Representations

The different animal species represent human social classes. Pigs place themselves at the top of the hierarchy along with the dogs they've trained to serve them, and they classify everyone else on the farm as a "lower animal." The few humans in this world are presumably White and mostly male. Female representation is limited: There's the steadfast, matronly horse Clover, who mostly tends to her partner, Boxer, and the shallow, vain horse Mollie, who leaves the farm early on. Other women play small roles, from the farmer's wife to the hens and sows.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Parents need to know that Animal Farm is George Orwell 's biting satire of totalitarianism, written in the wake of World War II and published amid the rise of Soviet Russia. Though it tells a fairly simple story of barnyard animals trying to manage themselves after rebelling against their masters, the novel demonstrates how easily good intentions can cross into tyranny. The animals create rules for their new farm, including no killing and no alcohol, but the pigs slowly change the rules, leading to executions and frequent drunkenness on their part. There are a couple of battles between the animals and the humans, who are eager to regain control, but violence isn't described in detail. Most of the animals show perseverance, humility, and teamwork, but admirable characters such as the hard-working horse Boxer and the idealistic pig Snowball are tragically overwhelmed by the selfish, scheming pig Napoleon and his corrupt regime.

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say (16)
• Kids say (129)

Based on 16 parent reviews

ANIMAL FARMIO

Epic rap battles of history : squealer vs. joseph stalin, what's the story.

In ANIMAL FARM, animals rise up against the oppressive Farmer Jones and chase him away. They plan to run the farm themselves, for their own benefit. At first, the animals are able to work together and support one another. But gradually the pigs make suggestions about how the farm should be run. Before long, the pigs are at the top of the social ladder, and the rest of the animals are wondering what happened.

Is It Any Good?

The story and language are very simple but unnervingly precise as this scathing book depicts each step on the road from revolution to tyranny. Animal Farm has been popular and highly acclaimed since its publication in 1945, and rightly so. It's a deceptively simple parable that makes strong points about the importance of education, the perils of propaganda, and the need to keep all leaders in check. It's crushing to watch the idealism of the animals get twisted and taken advantage of by greedy leaders (even more so when we remember this was based on actual human events). Telling the story through familiar barnyard animals makes the bitter pill easier to swallow. In 2005, Time magazine chose it as one of the 100 best English-language novels, and the book ranks at 31 on the Modern Library List of Best 20th Century Novels.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about totalitarianism in Animal Farm : what it means, how it shaped the 20th century, and whether it still exists today.

Soon after they take over the farm, the animals agree to follow "The Seven Commandments." The rules seem fairly basic, but they're changed over the course of the novel. How do leaders today change the rules to achieve their own agendas?

One of the novel's most famous quotes is "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." What might that paradoxical statement mean?

Why do you think Animal Farm is often required reading in school?

How do the animals on Animal Farm show perseverance , humility , and teamwork ? Which characters show courage and integrity ? Why are these important character strengths ? How might more courage and integrity from the rest of the characters have changed the story?

Book Details

• Author : George Orwell
• Genre : Literary Fiction
• Topics : Horses and Farm Animals
• Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Book type : Fiction
• Publication date : August 17, 1945
• Number of pages : 128
• Last updated : June 8, 2015

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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