I recently read George Orwell's novel, and I have to say, it's a tough but must-read. I respect the book, accept its message, and understand why it's a classic. Today, I want to share my thoughts on another one of his popular works, Animal Farm. They're worlds apart, but both deal with politics and totalitarianism.
Let's get one thing straight - the presentation of this book is relatively short, with only 86 pages. It's a quick and easy read, and its main strength lies in its lively and realistic satire. It's not a philosophical fable with a dash of fantasy - it's a breath of fresh air.
Here's a shot of my edition. It has a solid cover and 50 illustrations inside the book, along with a bookmark. The illustrations are a nice touch, and they add to the book's charm.
Animal Farm: The Basics
Published by: SZKEO, St. Petersburg.Price: 600 rubles.Release year: 1945.Genre: Fable, satire, dystopiaI have both 1984 and Animal Farm in my collection.
This book is a commentary on the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power.
Now, let me share my personal experience. This book gave me a ton of emotions. I found it to be a thought-provoking read, and it made me think about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of individual freedom.
So, What's the Story?
The author takes you to an English farm, where animals of all breeds live: pigs, horses, donkeys, sheep. One day, the animals realize their owner has fallen off the wagon (boozy lifestyle, laziness) and decide to stage a revolution. And on the barn, they write their 7 commandments.
Animal Farm: The 7 Commandments
Any animal who walks on two legs is an enemy
Any animal who walks on four legs or has wings is a friend
Animals do not wear clothing
Animals do not sleep in beds (later added: with sheets)
Animals do not drink alcohol (later added: excessively)
Animals do not kill other animals (later added: without reason)
All animals are equal (later added: but some are more equal than others)
I think many people use the phrase from the 7 commandments, slightly modified:
All are equal, but some are more equal. I had no idea it belonged to George Orwell until I read Animal Farm.
The rules of this farm are a bit of a joke. The animals are so proud of them, but they completely ignore them. They're not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed, are they? It's decided to leave only one of these rules intact - the one that's considered a clever jab at communism.
But things take a turn. Napoleon, the pig who started this whole rebellion, starts to get a little too big for his britches. He doesn't need the approval of his fellow animals to do whatever he wants. He realizes that most of the animals on the farm are pretty clueless, and he's free to do as he pleases.
What Really Caught My Attention Is How the Author Perfectly Captures the Characters. For example, the horse is like the working class - always pulling the load but never getting any recognition.
Do You Think the Evil Dogs in the Story Are Meant to Represent the NKVD? How did the author manage to make them so believable?
The Sheep, on the Other Hand, Are Just Like the General Population - Sheepish and Easily Led.
The donkey, Benjamin, is like the intelligentsia - all talk and no action.
This book is a quick and easy read, and its main strength lies in its lively and realistic satire. It's not a philosophical fable with a dash of fantasy - it's a breath of fresh air. It's been 79 years since it came out, and it's becoming more and more relevant by the day.
I Think 'Animal Farm' Is an Allusion to the Totalitarian Regime of the Soviet Union, Just Like '1984.' I agree that it's an allusion in both books, but it's less prominent in 'Animal Farm'. I think the author mixed up dictatorial regimes and revolutions in those countries where it happened.
So, to sum it up:
Easy to read.
Satire.
Still relevant 79 years after its release.
Food for thought.
None.
I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read!
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