Animal Farm, Satire essay

Animal Farm, Satire essay

Animal Farm - Essay
Discuss the main issues explored in the text and explore how these issues are represented in society

Animal Farm is a satirical text published in 1945 and is based on farm animals as the name of the book suggests. It is a fable set in England in which animals forcibly remove their farmer, Mr. Jones so that they may attempt to run the farm for themselves. Through an entertaining and effective animal allegory the author of the book George Orwell indirectly attacks Russian communism and Stalin. It also converses subliminally the events leading up to and after the Russian Revolution of 1917 through many literary devices. Themes such as Power and Inequality aid the author in strengthening the satirical content of the book. He uses a couple of techniques such as symbolism and characterization which adds to the satire, satire makes light of a very serious issue by making it almost ridiculous and is a literary technique widely used.
Power is the main dominant theme throughout the text which enhances the satirical meaning of the book and creates irony and allegory. The theme of ‘Power’ can be seen in the quote “the pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume the leadership.” (3.2) shows the power that the pigs have power over the other animals due to their naturally high intellectual capabilities as knowledge is often associated with power. This theme and quote is relatable to today’s society, members of society that have lesser education are generally disadvantaged as they obtain careers that do not hold much recognition and power, whereas the naturally smarter members of the community are able to use their intelligence to obtain this ‘power’ whether it may be political or through verbal manipulation and cunning deceit. This is why the theme of power supports the satire as it conveys the heavy issues of society whilst making it ridiculous and light....

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