Morality (noun): principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Although a complex idea, morality can be very easily defined. However, this does not mean that the distinction of morals that separate bad from good is as easy as expounding it. The two stories of Animal Farm and 1984, both by George Orwell, compare the subject of morality and how it can be manipulated to capitalize on innocent individuals. Orwell demonstrates the buildup to corruption as well as the different principles that each play a role. Nevertheless, Animal Farm and 1984 still have their differences, such as the differing time periods, but the main ideas of corruption and lack of ethics become evident through Orwell’s use of characterization and symbolism. Although each story has …show more content…
Soon after the long winter, Napoleon makes changes to the farm as he, “inherited separate apartments from the others… and always ate from the Crown Derby dinner service… he was always referred to in formal style, as ‘Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon’ and… Father of all Animals” (Orwell 93). One of Napoleon’s key traits is selfishness, which Orwell emphasizes through the portrayal of Napoleon as a divine figure. This exemplifies how when one individual is seen as a god-like figure, nothing can be done to stop the creation of a power imbalance. Due to the undistributed power, corruption is more likely to occur because all the power is focused on one leader rather than focused on the betterment of a community. Similarly, in 1984, Orwell characterizes Big Brother as a sole, all-powerful figure of the Party to show that having one personage as the image of the government creates a conspiracy for corruption. As Winston prepares to pay for the gin he drank, he pulls out a few coins and observes, “on the other face of the coin the head of Big Brother. Even from the coin the eyes pursued you. On coins, on stamps, on the