George Orwell’s Animal Farm is just not another novel, it is a sarcastic statement on how a system of governance which was much glorified and adored actually works. A commentary on how a marvellous ideal can actually be misused by people just because the ideal itself is non-achievable and flawed.
If you are still guessing whats behind this innocuous titled book ’Animal Farm’, let me tell you is all about the now infamous ideal of Communism and how it actually works. Anyone just wanting to enjoy a good, though strange story on how a couple of pigs, a horse, some sheep and other farm animals overthrow their master and establish a republic (if it can be called so), let me assure, the book is quite interesting. But people wanting to go beyond this superficial story need to dig harder in order the understand the big anecdote.
Let me tell you the times when this novel was written. Written in the first half of 1940s, Communism seemed to be the most adored ideal even for people in capitalist societies like UK and France. The brutal Soviet might shown during the World War II had impressed everyone and very few people had the guts to question it.
George Orwell had it and he put forward what happens behind a totalatarian society behind the guise of Communism and what can be the future of such a rule.
In the story the farm animals overthrow the oppresive owner of the farm and decide to rule themselves. While most of the animals strive hard to make their collective a success a group of pigs slowly tends to dominate them with deceit and showing ideals and dreams. Finally the system collapses not before destroying the entire farm and concept and also eliminating those animal who had strived hardest to make it a success.
Anyone with a little knowledge of Russian Revolution and the subsequent history of Soviet Union will find the characters of Trotsky, Stalin, Lenin and ofcourse the oppressed millions come out in the pages of the book under the cover of animal characters.
Trust me friends, try reading it and you will understand that why the system which was doomed to fail finally fell in 1990s. Orwell was finally understood then.
Generations to come might not know about Russian Revolution and Orwell’s book will become a children’s book just like Gulliver’s Travels (which too incidentally had a similar subtle message), but few and very few will remember its true purpose and success.
Be a part of the select few by reading the book. Orwell has a similar book titled 1984 with a similar theme. Can try that book too.
Enjoy!