A rhetorical study of: George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” …who is George Orwell, why is the novel poignant, and what basic background “stuff” to know before reading…

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." -- George Orwell

First: Who is George Orwell? Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950) London Worked various jobs, penned “George Orwell” to avoid family embarrassment and to protect himself from scrutiny Enjoyed politics & joined militia for Spanish Civil War Blair & his wife were indicted on treason charges in Spain; he & wife fled to England “Animal Farm” (pub. 1945)- anti Soviet satire & allegory “1984” (pub. 1949)- complete gov’t control dystopian novel Huge success from AF & 1984! Suffered demise from tuberculosis, just 47 years young

Second: AF’s Significance As animal story, appeals to children & teenagers (i.e. fables) Adv. Readers  serious political import Orwell’s expression of views & convictions in disguise Accounts of social injustices, persecutions & cruelties **Characterization (development of animals) **Allegorical connections (accurate historical events) **Rhetoric (appeals and strategies of leaders and media) **Banned in 126 countries (after Russian translation, Stalin’s gov’t banned in all Soviet-ruled areas)

Third: Basic Background “Stuff” In short: The Russian Revolution (1917) deposed the czar, created the Bolsheviks (The Communist Party), who then established Soviet Union in 1922. ** VERY IMPORTANT! ** Do NOT feel intimidated by all of the allegorical references! Understand the basic elements and appreciate the literary ART Orwell creates throughout “Animal Farm.”

Basic Background People to Know 1896-1917 Czar Nicholas II executed 1818-1883 Karl Marx & Marxist Ideals Vladimir Lenin’s brother allegedly plotted to kill previous czar; therefore, Lenin was exiled to Siberia for 3 years, returns and regains control, implements Bolsheviks & Marxist ideas. Illnesses hinder his “power” Joseph Stalin wants total control (poor orator) Leon Trotsky also wants control (strong orator) 1922 USSR established 1924 Lenin dies- Stalin named successor…Stalin v. Trotsky! Woodrow Wilson = U.S. Winston Churchill = U.K. Adolf Hitler

Basic Background “Miscellaneous” Russian Newspapers LOOK FOR: Ethos, Pathos, Logos “Gulags” = Soviet Forced Labor Camps (1930-1950s)