Animal Farm by George Orwell A story of power, corruption, and greed

What’s this all about? Allegory: story told on 2 levels: literal and symbolic Fable: story that has a moral/lesson AND animal characters acting like humans “Goldilocks and The Three Bears” “Three Little Pigs” “Tortoise and the Hare”

Animal Farm is an allegorical representation of Russia from 1917 to 1943. During this time period, Russia endured a corrupt government that abused its power.

The Czars (Kings/Queen), were tyrannical dictators. Karl Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto- which promoted equality for all citizens and the elimination of the class system.

In Russia, by the early 1900’s, the writings of Karl Marx, increasing economic hardship, and the injustices of the Czar inspired widespread revolt and led to the Russian Revolution.

Czar Nicholas II was overthrown Czar Nicholas II was overthrown. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin overthrew the provisional government. Lenin tried to rebuild the country. When Lenin died, a power struggle for the control of the country took place.

The two Contenders for leadership: *Trotsky was a popular and charismatic leader, famous for his impassioned speeches. Stalin, a man of few words, preferred to consolidate his power behind the scenes.

After Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin orchestrated an alliance against Trotsky. In the following years, Stalin succeeded in becoming the unquestioned dictator of the Soviet Union and had Trotsky expelled first from Moscow, then from the Communist Party, and finally from Russia altogether in 1936.

What did Trotsky do? Trotsky fled to Mexico, where he was assassinated on Stalin’s orders in 1940.

How did Stalin maintain power? Stalin held “Show trials”– trials whose outcomes he and his allies had already decided—to rid the Communist party of Trotsky’s followers, and any individual who opposed the Stalinists.

How did this impact Russia? As the Soviet government’s exonomic planning faltered and failed, Russia suffered under a surge of violence, fear, and starvation. Stalin used his former opponent, Trotsky, as a scapegoat to blame for the failures. Trotsky became a common national enemy and thus a source of negative unity.

Uses an indefinite setting so we can apply it to many different situations past and present

Specific Character Allegories Old Major – Lenin This is the wise old pig who gives a grand speech at the beginning of the book. He sets the stage for the Rebellion –but dies before it happens.

Napoleon This pig is one of the ones who steps up to take Old Major’s place after his death. He is quiet-yet forceful in getting his own way. Napoleon is most like STALIN and other dictators.

Snowball This pig also struggles to get the leadership of the farm after the death of Old Major. Snowball is an excellent strategist and has lots of energy. Snowball is LEON TROTSKY

Squealer This pig is an excellent talker. He is a manipulator and is used to persuade the animals to believe the ‘big lie’ Squealer is our internal propaganda

Farms/Farmers Animal Farm – Russia Pilkington of Foxwood – the English gentleman of England – perhaps Churchill? Frederick of Pinchfield -Definitely Hitler of Germany

Farmer Jones Jones is the corrupt, evil human –who neglects his animals and farm because he drinks Jones’ power can be seen as Czar Nicholas II, as he stands for the decline of a government through mismanagement and corruption

The Pigs Lead the rebellion. They take on the same power and characteristics as the human masters. They represent corrupted human leaders: The Bolsheviks The Bolsheviks led the overthrow of the capitalist Russian government –only to become the new masters.

Mollie This horse loves luxury and represents the materialists They are the Russian nobles who left after the Revolution

Boxer and Clover These horses represent the suffering uneducated working class They are patient and decent, but not bright

The Rebellion– Russian Revolution

Moses A Raven who is known as Jones’ special pet Moses represents religion/organized religion. He is the Orthodox Church (or Rasputin)

The Dogs The means used by a totalitarian state to terrorize its own people They are the secret police (KGB)

The Pigeons These guys spread the word of Rebellion beyond the farm. They are the Communists who spread the doctrine of the revolution beyond the boundaries of the Soviet Union. They are external propaganda.

The END