George Orwell: Animal Farm

Back in 2018, during my first year at university, I became curious about the title "Animal Farm" by George Orwell while studying Animal Science.

"Animal Farm" has been banned in Vietnam at the time.

What begins as a simple story turns into a powerful commentary on the dangers of unchecked authority in human society.

Related to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.

The fact, pigs are often recognized as one of the most intelligent animals.

Characters:

Snowball – pig who ends up losing to Napoleon (Leon Trotsky). He is initially a leader in the rebellion but is ultimately ousted by Napoleon, reflecting Trotsky's expulsion from the Communist Party.

Napoleon – ends up becoming leader of farm (Stalin). He embodies the corrupting influence of power, using fear and manipulation to dominate the other animals.

Boxer – hardest working horse, believes Napoleon is always right, “I will work harder”. His strength and unwavering dedication highlight the exploitation of laborers by those in power.

Clover – Boxer’s friend, female working class, showcasing loyalty and nurturing qualities, but ultimately realizing the betrayal of their revolutionary ideals.

Mollie – white narcissistic horse

Squealer – Napoleon’s propaganda pig

Old Major – prophesizing boar (Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin). He inspires the revolution with his vision of a just society, laying the ideological foundation for the movement.

Moses – Raven who talks about religion

Benjamin – Donkey who does not do much one way or the other. Symbolizes the skeptical intellectuals who recognize the corruption but feel powerless to effect change. His cynicism reflects a sense of resignation.

The Dogs - secret police, used to enforce Napoleon's rule and instill fear among the other animals.

Mr. Jones – original farm owner