Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
4 STARS
4 STARS
February 2032
A thought provoking fable by George Orwell written in 1934. When enough people want change, they revolt. That is what the animals on this farm did, changing Manor Farm to Animal Farm. A farm run by animals, away from man's cruel and unjust treatment. But the time of peace is short lived. A new leader whose motivation is unknown talks a good talk. This leader "Napoleon" chooses "Squealer" to be his voice and the animal society is transfixed. Squealer is charismatic and easily persuades and manipulates the group with propaganda of all sorts. Society is easily deceived and soon begins to question their own truths. The facts become so distorted the animals no longer trust their own minds. Thus they are led into an even worse situation. Their lack of responsibility to know, erases their common sense and their judgement is superseded by fulfillment of their basic needs. Erosion of their liberties happens so slowly they never feel the entirety until it's too late. Each generation after the revolution knows less and less of the reasons, the pain and suffering and the sacrifice . . . and history repeats itself. -Kim Luke
A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned –a razor-edged fairy tale for grown-ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible.
When Animal Farm was first published, Stalinist Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that wherever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell’s masterpiece have a meaning and message still ferociously fresh.
