Wednesday, October 12, 2016

In regards to the novella Animal Farm, what ways does George Orwell make us think about corruption of power?

Throughout the novella, Orwell depicts how positive ideology can be twisted and manipulated by power hungry individuals. Initially, Napoleon studies and helps create the tenets of Animalism, but shortly after finds an opportunity to usurp power by getting rid of Snowball. Napoleon enjoys receiving special treatment for being a pig and wants to be in control of the entire farm. Napoleon does so by using brute force. He secretly trained several savage dogs in the...

Throughout the novella, Orwell depicts how positive ideology can be twisted and manipulated by power hungry individuals. Initially, Napoleon studies and helps create the tenets of Animalism, but shortly after finds an opportunity to usurp power by getting rid of Snowball. Napoleon enjoys receiving special treatment for being a pig and wants to be in control of the entire farm. Napoleon does so by using brute force. He secretly trained several savage dogs in the loft of the barn to act as his personal assassins and protectors. These dogs strike fear in the animals and force them to accept Napoleon's reign as leader. Napoleon also employs Squealer to spread propaganda which influences the animals to act in Napoleon's favor. Orwell warns his audience that anytime power is consolidated among a small group of individuals, there is a likely possibility that at least one person will become corrupt which could lead to tyranny. Once individuals experience a sense of control and privilege, they can easily become corrupted by the power they possess.

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