In 1945, George Orwell penned “Animal Farm” as a satirical take on the Russian Revolution. As a socialist, Orwell criticized the flaws in communism and the corrupt leaders. Initially, the novel faced challenges in getting published due to its subtle yet discernible insults. Orwell’s intention was to demonstrate how the indifference and ignorance of individuals could result in a dreadful existence for the common folk. Through the use of irony and sarcasm, the novel serves as a satire uncovering the weaknesses of communism.
One of the seven commandments created by the animals is “all animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others”. This displays Orwell’s sarcastic mockery of the communist system. Conflict is a significant theme in Animal Farm, as every situation illustrates the use of force by either the animals or the humans to obtain their desires. The humans assault the farm, while the animals defend what they have acquired through force. The animals also struggle among themselves, uncertain of how to wield the power they have gained.
In the fable, the violence is depicted in a comical manner, which serves to balance the serious aspects of the story. The novel is a parody of the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the USSR, reflecting upon communist revolutions. It underscores the idea that “Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The fable includes two battles: the battle of the cowshed and the battle of the windmill.
Both battles, the Battle of the Cowshed and the later battle, depict the humans’ attempts to seize control of Animal Farm after it had already been taken from Mr. Jones. The Battle of the Cowshed occurs at the beginning of the novel, during a hopeful and cheerful phase. This period symbolizes the initial excitement of the revolution, where the reader hopes for a triumph on behalf of the animals. Additionally, Orwell satirizes the Russian Civil War and the involvement of Trotsky/Snowball, ridiculing the USSR/Soviets’ idealized rendition of their own history.
The title “Battle of the Cowshed” reflects the depiction of Snowball as clever and cunning, characteristic of pigs in fables. However, Snowball’s character in the story goes beyond the usual fable portrayal. The Battle of the Windmill begins with a brief sentence indicating action, and the mention of breakfast suggests preparedness unlike the Battle of the Cowshed.
During the battle of the Cowshed, various phrases such as “skirmishing manoeuver” and “line of attack” were employed to depict the ongoing events. In contrast, the battle of the Windmill did not witness as many military terminologies being used. In the battle of the Cowshed, all the strategies and tactics were derived from a children’s book authored by Julius Caesar, which was intended for teaching Latin to young children. However, in the battle of the Windmill, they were up against a stronger army equipped with half a dozen guns and employed fewer military terms. This made it less professional compared to the previous battle.
The battle of the Cowshed was more effective than the battle of the Windmill. These battles contrast each other. In the battle of the Cowshed, they displayed bravery while in the battle of the Windmill, they were more cowardly. Although the animals knew they had won after the battle of the Windmill, they did not perceive it as a victory. When Napoleon shoots the gun, Boxer questions his actions. Napoleon responds that it was a victory, but Boxer disagrees, stating that it was not a victory.
This is in contrast to the aftermath of the Cowshed battle, which was filled with happiness and celebration. However, another conflict arises between Napoleon and Snowball, who symbolize real-life figures, Trotsky and Stalin, respectively. Both leaders from the start seem to challenge each other. During weekly debates held in the Barn by the animals, Napoleon and Snowball were the most active participants. The animals quickly noticed that the two leaders never agreed on anything.
Snowball excelled in assigning tasks to the animals and establishing committees with comical names such as the “Egg Production Committee” for the hens and “The Whiter Wool Movement” for the sheep. However, Napoleon was not involved in these affairs. He prioritized the education of the young, so he took puppies from the Dogs, intending to personally educate them. These dogs were ultimately utilized to assault Snowball, indicating an early desire for increased power by Napoleon in the revolution.
