Deciphering the Symbolism of Animalism in George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’_1
What does Animalism symbolize in Animal Farm?
George Orwell’s classic novel, Animal Farm, is a allegorical tale that explores the corruption of power and the nature of revolution. At the heart of this story is the concept of Animalism, a political ideology that is central to the farm’s rebellion against the oppressive human farmer, Mr. Jones. But what exactly does Animalism symbolize in this allegory?
Animalism is based on the idea that animals should be free from human oppression and that they should have the right to govern themselves. It is a form of socialism that promotes equality and the common good. The animals on the farm, led by the clever pig Napoleon, adopt Animalism as their guiding principle and use it to rally the other animals in their fight against Mr. Jones. However, as the story progresses, Animalism begins to take on a more sinister meaning, reflecting the corruption of power and the betrayal of the original ideals of the revolution.
One of the key symbols of Animalism is the famous slogan, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” This slogan is first introduced by Snowball, another of the revolutionary pigs, and is intended to emphasize the equality of all animals. However, as the pigs gradually consolidate their power, this slogan is twisted to justify their superiority over the other animals. The pigs, who are portrayed as more intelligent and capable than the other animals, begin to exploit their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of the farm animals.
Another important symbol of Animalism is the concept of the “seven commandments,” which are the principles that guide the animals in their struggle against Mr. Jones. These commandments are designed to promote equality and justice, but as the pigs take control, they begin to change and manipulate these commandments to suit their own needs. For example, the fifth commandment, which originally stated “No animal shall kill any other animal,” is later changed to “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause,” effectively allowing the pigs to hunt and kill animals for their own gain.
In essence, Animalism symbolizes the corrupting influence of power. It represents the idea that, given the right circumstances, even the noblest of ideals can be twisted and exploited for personal gain. The pigs’ adoption of Animalism as a revolutionary ideology is a perfect example of this. They use it to rally the other animals and achieve their goal of overthrowing Mr. Jones, but once in power, they quickly abandon the principles of equality and justice that Animalism was supposed to represent.
Ultimately, Animalism in Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the potential for corruption. It highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring that those in power are held accountable to the principles they claim to uphold. As the animals on the farm learn the hard way, the promise of a better future is not guaranteed simply by adopting a revolutionary ideology; it requires constant vigilance and a commitment to the original ideals that inspired the revolution in the first place.
