How Does Orwell Present The Abuse Of Power In Animal Farm

Inequality, corruption, and dictatorship. Do you ever wonder how someone managed to use animals to recreate the cruel issues of society? George Orwell used pigs to represent the ruling class and working animals to represent the commoners. There are many ways that Orwell shows the issues of society in Animal Farm. One of these ways is through demonstrating the effects of propaganda and how it is used to control the common people. Additionally, Orwell highlights the corruption that comes from getting a taste of power. Orwell can effectively show the changes that society needs to make to better itself. He brings attention to society's faults by demonstrating the effects of propaganda and by exposing the effects that stem from the abuse of power.

Orwell’s use of propaganda was to show how effective it was when controlling the common people. Propaganda is most seen through the words of Squealer. “Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back!” (3.14) Very early on, Squealer tries to engrave the idea that pigs should be in power into the other animal’s minds. By rewriting history, he is able to put the pigs at the top of the hierarchy. He incites fear in the listeners. He knows that the animals were miserable under the control of Mr. Jones, and he takes advantage of that. By consistently manipulating the animals, he manages to distract the pigs from seeing the negatives that have resulted from the work of the pigs. Orwell knows that propaganda is effective when it exploits people’s pride in their work. “Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers.” (3.14) Orwell demonstrates how people will go along with anything when they believe that everything they are doing is for their benefit, and the benefit of the farm. Instead of splitting the apples and milk evenly, the animals let them be reserved for the pigs. This is because they think it will

Animal Farm does an excellent job of showcasing how even people with the most wholesome intentions can get corrupt through power. The corruption of power is seen through Napoleon’s abandonment of his original principles. “Four legs good, two legs better!” (10.14) His corruption was significantly noticed when he changed the farm's most important commandment. This quote symbolizes how he is going against his past beliefs and how he is beginning to take on the traits of mankind that he and all the other animals were revolting against. It shows the effects of having too much power and how it will leave you wanting more. Orwell can incorporate the abuse of power into his book by having Napoleon exile Snowball. Originally, Napoleon and Snowball were comrades who both saw a better future and worked together to lead a revolution. As Napoleon continued to experience the feeling of authority and power, he began to see Snowball as a threat. By kicking out Snowball, Napoleon is able to selfishly hold all the power to himself. He manages to twist the truth to make it seem to the other animals as if Snowball was a traitor. This creates even more loyalty and admiration for Napoleon. At the beginning of the story, the pigs, along with Napoleon, aimed for equality. The corruption and abuse of power are effectively shown through the role and transformation of the pigs. As time passed, the pigs began to exploit the other