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Essay / Power and Corruption in George Orwell's Animal Farm
Power and corruption are inseparable concepts that have prevailed throughout history, and George Orwell's Animal Farm is no exception. Through allegory, Orwell masterfully depicts the corrupting influence of power and its destructive consequences. By examining key quotes from the novel, this essay will explore the theme of corruption in Animal Farm and its implications for society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay The initial spark of corruption can be seen in the character of Napoleon, who emerges as the leader of the animals after the rebellion against humans. Orwell illustrates this corruption with the quote: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. » This statement highlights Napoleon's abuse of power, who manipulated the principles of animalism to justify his privileged status. Furthermore, this quote exposes the hypocrisy that occurs when power falls into the wrong hands, leading to the corruption of the original ideals. Another example of corruption in Animal Farm is illustrated by the gradual erosion of the Seven Commandments, which were originally established to ensure equality and fairness among animals. One of the commandments states: “No animal shall kill another animal.” However, as the pigs consolidate their power, they modify this commandment to read: "No animal shall kill another animal without reason." This change reflects the selfish interests of pigs, as they now have the power to determine what constitutes “cause” for killing. Through this manipulation, Orwell highlights how power can corrupt even the noblest principles, leading to a society built on hypocrisy. The corruption of power is further illustrated by the use of propaganda and manipulation in Animal Farm. Squealer, Napoleon's propagandist, plays a crucial role in distorting the truth and maintaining the pigs' dominance. He uses persuasive rhetoric to convince the other animals that their lives have improved under Napoleon's leadership, despite evidence to the contrary. As Squealer says: “Don't you remember how, just as Jones and his men were being chased, Snowball suddenly turned and ran away, and many animals followed him?... .Surely, comrades, there is surely no one among them. you who want to see Jones come back?" This quote demonstrates how manipulation and distortion of facts can be used to maintain power and control over a population. This highlights the danger of unchecked authority, as those who are in power can manipulate the truth to serve their own interests. Corruption in Animal Farm is not limited to pigs; it also extends to other animals. Hardworking Boxer's motto, "I will work harder", represents his unwavering dedication to the cause. However, his blind trust in the leadership of the pigs ultimately leads to his downfall. Napoleon, who sells him to a glue factory for personal gain This betrayal emphasizes the corruption inherent in the system, as even the most loyal and hardworking individuals can be exploited and discarded in an effort to maintain the system. power. In Animal Farm, George Orwell skillfully describes the corrupting influence of power through various cases of manipulation and hypocrisy. , and betrayal. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding people., 1945.