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Animal Farm

 

            In the novel Animal Farm written by George Orwell, the animals strive to create their own utopian society based on unity and equality. The novel is a satirical look at the Russian Revolution, which is the source of inspiration of Animal Farm. The animals drive out Mr. Jones and are determined to create a place in which all animals can live in harmony, free from human oppression and abuse. However, throughout the story, it is clear that the dream of a perfect society is unreachable, due to the animals" mindless behaviour.
             Throughout the novel, the animals" own senseless behaviour and ignorance help cause the dystopia that arises on the farm. First, Boxer, the strong cart-horse, is a clear indication of the animals" lack of awareness of what is really happening. In chapter seven, Squealer says that Snowball has been hiding out in Pinchfield farm, but Boxer refuses to believe him recalling that he fought bravely in the Battle of the Cowshed. When Squealer explains that Napoleon himself knew of Snowball's betrayal, Boxer responds by saying "if Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right."(p. 91) Boxer's inability to realize or believe that Napoleon can be wrong prevents him from further arguing with Squealer. This was a crucial moment when a sign of his disapproval or even doubt might stall, if not stop, Napoleon's bid for sole power. Secondly, the animals" low intelligence prevents them from opposing or even questioning the pigs. At the end of chapter eight, the animals see Squealer, a broken ladder and an overturned pot of white paint near the barn where the Seven Commandments are written but cannot figure out what this represents. After the dogs escort Squealer back to the farmhouse, their mindlessness is obvious in the following quote: "None of the animals could form any idea as to what this meant."(p. 112) The animals" lack of intelligence keeps them from realizing that the pigs are abusing their power.


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