Animal Farm

The theme of class struggle and inequality is evident from the outset when the animals revolt against their human oppressors, led by the belief that "All animals are equal." As the story unfolds, a new hierarchy emerges, perpetuating class divisions among the animals.

The pigs, particularly Napoleon and his inner circle, quickly ascend to positions of power, exploiting their fellow animals for their own gain. This mirrors the class struggle between the bourgeoisie, represented by the pigs, and the proletariat, represented by the other animals. Despite the initial promise of equality, the pigs establish themselves as the ruling class, controlling the means of production and benefiting disproportionately from the labor of the lower classes.

The character of Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, exemplifies the proletariat's struggle against oppression. Boxer represents the working class, whose labor fuels the revolution and sustains the farm's productivity. Despite his unwavering dedication and selflessness, Boxer is ultimately betrayed by the pigs, who exploit his labor until he is no longer useful and then callously sell him to a glue factory, where he is killed.

Similarly, Mollie, the vain and materialistic mare, represents the privileged elite who prioritize personal comfort and luxury over collective welfare. Mollie abandons the revolution in favor of a life of ease, aligning herself with humans who offer her treats and adornments. Her actions highlight the inherent divisions and conflicts within society, where individuals prioritize self-interest over solidarity.

In the film, manipulation of language and propaganda is a pervasive force used by those in power to control the masses. The pigs, led by Napoleon and Squealer, exploit language as a tool for maintaining their authority and justifying their actions to the other animals on the farm.

From the beginning, the pigs seize control of the farm's narrative by rebranding it as "Animal Farm," a symbol of their newfound independence and autonomy. They also establish the Seven Commandments, which are intended to govern the animals' behavior and ensure equality and fairness. However, as the pigs consolidate power, they manipulate these commandments to suit their interests.

Squealer, Napoleon's cunning and persuasive spokesperson, serves as the primary agent of propaganda on the farm. He skillfully twists the truth and distorts reality to manipulate the other animals into accepting the pigs' version of events. For example, when the pigs begin sleeping in beds, a clear violation of the commandments, Squealer convinces the other animals that the commandment "No animal shall sleep in a bed" actually refers to human beds, thus justifying the pigs' actions.

Another instance of manipulation of language and propaganda is seen in the pigs' use of slogans and chants to reinforce their authority and suppress dissent. The song "Beasts of England" initially serves as an anthem of rebellion and unity among the animals, inspiring hope and solidarity. However, as the pigs consolidate power, they abolish the song, recognizing its potential to incite rebellion. Instead, they replace it with new slogans such as "Four legs good, two legs better," reinforcing their dominance and suppressing dissent among the other animals.

The construction of the windmill project is another example of how language and propaganda are manipulated to serve the pigs' agenda. Despite the animals' sacrifices and hard work, the windmill remains unfinished, yet Squealer manipulates language to shift blame and divert attention from the pigs' failures.

The film begins with Old Major, a respected elder pig, delivering a stirring speech to the animals of Manor Farm, outlining a utopian vision of a society where animals live free from human oppression. Inspired by his words, the animals unite in rebellion against their human masters, fueled by the promise of a better future based on the principles of Animalism. However, this vision is soon betrayed by the pigs, who seize power and pervert the revolution for their own gain.

As the pigs consolidate their control over the farm, they gradually abandon the principles of equality and justice that formed the foundation of the revolution. One pivotal scene that exemplifies this betrayal occurs when the pigs revise the Seven Commandments of Animalism. The original commandment "All animals are equal" is twisted into "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," highlighting the pigs' hypocrisy and deviation from the revolution's principles.

Initially portrayed as a charismatic and visionary leader, Napoleon—the opportunistic pig—quickly succumbs to greed and ambition, sacrificing the principles of equality and solidarity for personal power. Furthermore, the fate of Snowball, the pig who initially played a significant role in the rebellion against Mr. Jones, symbolizes the pigs' betrayal of revolutionary ideals. After being ousted by Napoleon, Snowball is defamed and scapegoated by the pigs, who portray him as a traitor and enemy of the farm. This betrayal of a fellow revolutionary highlights the pigs' willingness to sacrifice principles of solidarity and unity in their pursuit of power.

One of the most striking examples of the cycle of oppression is the gradual transformation of the pigs. Initially advocating for equality and justice, they promise a better life for all animals. However, as they consolidate their authority, they become increasingly corrupt and authoritarian. Scenes portraying the pigs altering the Seven Commandments and manipulating language to justify their actions exemplify their descent into tyranny.

Moreover, the expulsion of Snowball symbolizes a crucial moment in the cycle. Once a comrade sharing the animals' liberation vision, Snowball becomes a target of Napoleon's manipulation and propaganda. Through coercion, Napoleon convinces the other animals of Snowball's treachery, leading to his expulsion. This event illustrates how those in power employ deceit and coercion to maintain control, perpetuating the cycle of oppression by suppressing dissenting voices.

Additionally, the pigs' collaboration with humans exacerbates the cycle. Despite initially advocating for independence, the pigs prioritize their interests over the collective welfare of the farm. Scenes depicting the pigs engaging in trade and diplomacy with humans reveal their willingness to forsake revolutionary ideals for personal gain. This betrayal shows the cyclical nature of oppression, with the pigs perpetuating the same dynamics they once rebelled against. In the end, when the animals observe pigs and humans playing cards together, they realize the oppressive hierarchy has been reinstated.

The theme of the loss of individual freedom is evident in the film. The pigs' manipulation of the Seven Commandments, the guiding principles of Animalism, reflects their gradual descent into authoritarianism. Initially, the commandments prohibit behaviors associated with human oppression, such as sleeping in beds or drinking alcohol. However, as the pigs begin to emulate human behavior and consolidate power, they rewrite the commandments to justify their actions.

Centralization of decision-making is another mechanism through which the pigs restrict individual freedom. Under Napoleon's rule, all major decisions are made by a select committee of pigs, concentrating power in the hands of the ruling elite. Public meetings, once a forum for collective decision-making, are abolished, further isolating the animals and preventing dissent.

Napoleon employs fear and intimidation to silence any dissenting voices, employing his loyal enforcers, such as the dogs, to quash any hint of rebellion. Squealer, the propagandist pig, manipulates language and spreads misinformation to maintain the illusion of a fair and just society under Napoleon's rule.

The loss of individual freedom is also reflected in the animals' labor conditions and living standards. While the pigs live luxuriously in the farmhouse, the other animals toil tirelessly with little to show for their efforts. The promise of a better life under Animalism gives way to the harsh reality of exploitation and inequality, highlighting the stark contrast between the ruling class and the proletariat.

Resistance against oppression is evident throughout the story as the animals strive to challenge the pigs' unjust rule and reclaim their autonomy. Despite facing intimidation and violence from Napoleon and his loyalists, characters such as Snowball and Boxer symbolize the spirit of resistance, advocating for the principles of Animalism and challenging the pigs' authoritarian regime. Snowball's efforts to educate the other animals and organize resistance against Napoleon's tyranny demonstrate the persistent struggle against oppression.

Hope emerges as a powerful force driving the animals' resistance against the pigs' oppressive rule. Despite facing numerous setbacks and betrayals, the animals cling to the belief that a better future is possible. The dream of Animalism, with its promise of equality and freedom, continues to inspire hope among the animals, fueling their determination to resist the pigs' attempts to crush their spirits. Even during Boxer's tragic fate, hope serves as a beacon of light, motivating the animals to continue their struggle for justice and liberation.

Solidarity among the oppressed animals also plays a crucial role in their resistance against the pigs' tyranny. Despite their differences and disagreements, the animals unite in their shared desire for freedom and equality, standing together against the pigs' attempts to divide and conquer them. The power of collective action and unity is evident in moments such as the Battle of the Windmill, where the animals rally together to defend their newfound autonomy against human invaders.