Meghhnaa (On a Review-Writing Break!)'s Reviews > Animal Farm
Animal Farm
by
“Animal Farm” is a hilarious polemic, anthropomorphic, allegorical novel on the 1917 Russian revolution, but is very much perpetually applicable to the past, current and future political state-of-affairs! It is emblematic of rebellion against dictators and totalitarianism!
It is a story of the Farmer Jones’ animals rising up in rebellion, tired of exploitation, to take over the “Manor Farm”, to build a fairer society for themselves. There are stark similarities between politicians and animal leaders. Power and use of language for controlling minds, has been astutely demonstrated in this novel, by George Orwell. Being a short-fabled fairy-like animal entertainer, it doesn’t render itself into a boring political study for a tad!
A satirical comedy on the inextricability of power and corruption, and their insidious effect on the common public! The corruption of the pigs metaphorically demonstrates the yielding of the politicians (in any age or era) for gaining power and control. The skilful use of peer pressure by pigs to keep the rest of the animals subservient, is analogous to modern-day plight of students and corporate employees!
The story begins with the 12-yr old Major(boar), revealing his dream to his comrades(other animals at farm), about the future rebellion of animals against men, and teaching all a song-“Beasts Of England”.
He clarifies to all – "All men are enemies. All animals are comrades."
Soon Major dies, Snowball and Napoleon, take the lead! One fine evening, the animals drive away Mr. Jones (farm owner), and rename the farm – “Animal Farm”.
The 7 commandments are inscribed, on the tarred wall with great white letters-
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.
Since most of the animals cannot learn to read or to memorize the seven commandments, the commandments are reduced to one simple maxim: “Four legs good, two legs bad.”
Mr. Jones tries to recapture the farm, but Snowball successfully defends it. Mollie, the horse, who is seen consorting with the humans, is confronted, and finally leaves the rebellion and the Farm!
The humans despise the burgeoning of the Animal Farm!
But things don’t remain hunky-dory, and we see the rebellion being betrayed, the farm getting dilapidated again, all under the dictatorship of one of their leaders! (avoiding spoilers)
Animal Farm is a fun ride, as it teaches the intertwinement and inextricability of power and corruption in the most amusingly creative way, which remains applicable to current age and aeons to come!
A fun-filled 5 stars!!
by
“Animal Farm” is a hilarious polemic, anthropomorphic, allegorical novel on the 1917 Russian revolution, but is very much perpetually applicable to the past, current and future political state-of-affairs! It is emblematic of rebellion against dictators and totalitarianism!
It is a story of the Farmer Jones’ animals rising up in rebellion, tired of exploitation, to take over the “Manor Farm”, to build a fairer society for themselves. There are stark similarities between politicians and animal leaders. Power and use of language for controlling minds, has been astutely demonstrated in this novel, by George Orwell. Being a short-fabled fairy-like animal entertainer, it doesn’t render itself into a boring political study for a tad!
A satirical comedy on the inextricability of power and corruption, and their insidious effect on the common public! The corruption of the pigs metaphorically demonstrates the yielding of the politicians (in any age or era) for gaining power and control. The skilful use of peer pressure by pigs to keep the rest of the animals subservient, is analogous to modern-day plight of students and corporate employees!
The story begins with the 12-yr old Major(boar), revealing his dream to his comrades(other animals at farm), about the future rebellion of animals against men, and teaching all a song-“Beasts Of England”.
He clarifies to all – "All men are enemies. All animals are comrades."
Soon Major dies, Snowball and Napoleon, take the lead! One fine evening, the animals drive away Mr. Jones (farm owner), and rename the farm – “Animal Farm”.
The 7 commandments are inscribed, on the tarred wall with great white letters-
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.
Since most of the animals cannot learn to read or to memorize the seven commandments, the commandments are reduced to one simple maxim: “Four legs good, two legs bad.”
Mr. Jones tries to recapture the farm, but Snowball successfully defends it. Mollie, the horse, who is seen consorting with the humans, is confronted, and finally leaves the rebellion and the Farm!
The humans despise the burgeoning of the Animal Farm!
But things don’t remain hunky-dory, and we see the rebellion being betrayed, the farm getting dilapidated again, all under the dictatorship of one of their leaders! (avoiding spoilers)
Animal Farm is a fun ride, as it teaches the intertwinement and inextricability of power and corruption in the most amusingly creative way, which remains applicable to current age and aeons to come!
A fun-filled 5 stars!!
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
September 8, 2022
– Shelved
Comments Showing 1-50 of 94 (94 new)
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Holly
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Sep 08, 2022 04:43AM
Fun review Meghna!
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Fantastic review, Meghna! You had a bit of a better experience with the story, overall, than I did but I really enjoyed reading your critique :) This story is truly well-written & a great presentation of the complexities between power dynamics & a reflection of the specific historical events that inspired the tale.
Excellent review, Meghna! I might have to reread this as I haven’t since I was very young! I’m glad you got a lot out of it!
Chantel wrote: "Fantastic review, Meghna! You had a bit of a better experience with the story, overall, than I did but I really enjoyed reading your critique :) This story is truly well-written & a great presentat..."
Thanks, Chantel! You have described the essence of the novel using apt words!
Thanks, Chantel! You have described the essence of the novel using apt words!
Jasmine wrote: "Excellent review, Meghna! I might have to reread this as I haven’t since I was very young! I’m glad you got a lot out of it!"
Jasmine(forever young), thanks so much! <3 <3 <3
Jasmine(forever young), thanks so much! <3 <3 <3
Maureen ( NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) wrote: "Brilliant review Meghna!"
Many Thanks, Maureen! :) :) :)
Many Thanks, Maureen! :) :) :)
Allison wrote: "Animal Farm is such a classic! 😊 So glad you loved it so much!"
Thanks kindly, Allison! :)
Indeed, it is a loveable classic, and I had fun.
Thanks kindly, Allison! :)
Indeed, it is a loveable classic, and I had fun.
Your review brought back all my memories of my initial reading of Animal Farm. Your review is a delight to read.
Della B wrote: "Your review brought back all my memories of my initial reading of Animal Farm. Your review is a delight to read."
Thanks a ton, Della! <3 :)
Thanks a ton, Della! <3 :)
.*•. ☾ sephia wrote: "This book traumatised me at secondary school"
@sephia - The more we read, the more we get accustomed to the societal brutalities, and laugh-out at all the hubbub, corruption and politics of the world. I too was traumatized, due animal killings/brutalities in "Black Beauty", but tried to switch-off my emotional-side in "Animal Farm".
@sephia - The more we read, the more we get accustomed to the societal brutalities, and laugh-out at all the hubbub, corruption and politics of the world. I too was traumatized, due animal killings/brutalities in "Black Beauty", but tried to switch-off my emotional-side in "Animal Farm".
Graham “Smell the Ink” wrote: "Whatever goes on 4 legs, or has wings is a friend. FACT."
Graham, I can't agree more, they are the real friends ( along with books, ofcourse! :) )
Graham, I can't agree more, they are the real friends ( along with books, ofcourse! :) )
Lovely review, Meghna! This is a timeless classic. "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others" - what a statement! So glad you relished this satirical look at our human society.
A wonderful review of this timeless allegory, Meghna!
I do wonder if Orwell was influenced by Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita'?
I do wonder if Orwell was influenced by Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita'?
Terrific review of a book I keep meaning to read, Meghna. This may be the year - thanks for the reminder :)
Sarah-Hope wrote: "This book breaks my heart. Old Major..."
Awww, I totally get it! Let's look at the brighter side :-)
Awww, I totally get it! Let's look at the brighter side :-)
Margaret M wrote: "Powerful timeless message. Loved this. Fabulous review Meghna. You’ve captured this beautifully 💖"
Thanks, Margaret! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Thanks, Margaret! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Splendid, Meghna! Probably the most enjoyable review of this book that I've ever read. Well done!
Rosh wrote: "Lovely review, Meghna! This is a timeless classic. "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others" - what a statement! So glad you relished this satirical look at our human society."
Thanks lovely, Rosh! <3
I wonder and ponder, about the cerebral capacities of the timeless classic authors. Even if we are endowed with a miniscule of theirs, wisdom shall dawn upon us! :-) <3
Thanks lovely, Rosh! <3
I wonder and ponder, about the cerebral capacities of the timeless classic authors. Even if we are endowed with a miniscule of theirs, wisdom shall dawn upon us! :-) <3
Kevin wrote: "A wonderful review of this timeless allegory, Meghna!
I do wonder if Orwell was influenced by Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita'?"
Thanks, Kevin! :-)
Well, you are correct. I found "The Master and Magarita", jaunitly more satirical, and yes "Animal Farm", has similar essence and theorem of the social satire! Admire your analogy, Kevin!
I do wonder if Orwell was influenced by Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita'?"
Thanks, Kevin! :-)
Well, you are correct. I found "The Master and Magarita", jaunitly more satirical, and yes "Animal Farm", has similar essence and theorem of the social satire! Admire your analogy, Kevin!
Jennifer wrote: "Terrific review of a book I keep meaning to read, Meghna. This may be the year - thanks for the reminder :)"
Thanks, Jennifer! <3
Do update me on your views, post completion!
Thanks, Jennifer! <3
Do update me on your views, post completion!
Fantastic review Meghna! I’ve tried to catch up on reading my classics, but I’ve had a hard time- can’t seem to get into them lately…
Bob (aka Bobby Lee) wrote: "Splendid, Meghna! Probably the most enjoyable review of this book that I've ever read. Well done!"
Thanks, Bob! Your comment, made my day. <3 <3 <3
Thanks, Bob! Your comment, made my day. <3 <3 <3
Marcia wrote: "I read in high school an read it again last year. so insightful I can see it more clearly"
Thanks kindly, Marcia, for your lovely comments! :) <3
Thanks kindly, Marcia, for your lovely comments! :) <3