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A review of Animal Farm

by George Orwell

A political satire disguised as a children's story

Reviewed by: Paul A. Paterson
About Paul A. Paterson

Animal Farm What happens when the animals take over the farm? That was the question answered in George Orwell's book, Animal Farm. In a thinly veiled satire of the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, Orwell levels sharp criticism at the execution of socialist theory as practiced in Stalinist Russia.

The novel opens with an impassioned speech by the largest pig, Major, in which he reveals to the other animals that they live in bondage to the farmer. He reveals his dream world where animals live in equality and harmony with each other, unfettered by yoke, harness or whip. So inspired are the animals that, following Major's death, two boars conspire to evict Farmer Jones from the property. Then, they write the farms new manifesto on the wall of the barn, and begin the ideal life of equality and freedom.

Orwell's animals are caricatures of leading Russian communists including Lenin, Stalin, and Leon Trotsky. In one sequence, one of the founding boars, Snowball, is driven off the farm by a pack of dogs on the orders of Napoleon, an obvious reference to the banishment of Leon Trotsky by rival Josef Stalin. Orwell uses other characters to illustrate the working proletariat, the middle class, the church and other entities involved in Stalinist Russia.

Animal Farm is no children's story. While the animal characters might suggest current hits like the movie Babe, unless young readers have an understanding of Russian history and Marxist philosophy. While the subject matter is a bit dated, this is a classic example of literature holding a critical mirror to political events. Orwell is a tremendous writer and his colorful characters and vivid descriptions make Animal Farm a great read, even if you aren't familiar with the historical events.

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Animal Farm

Copyright © by Paul A. Paterson, 2003

Reviewed by Paul A. Paterson:
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