When Do Pigs Truly Become Like Man? Introduction Animal F
When do the pigs truly become like man? Introductionanimal Farmby Geor
When do the pigs truly become like man? Introduction: Animal Farm by George Orwell portrays The Russian Revolution of 1917 with animals revolting against their human masters only to realize they became exactly like the humans they fought against through power and corruption. The pigs on the farm are considered superior as they are more intelligent than the other animals. However, with the power of intelligence they become corrupt and adjust the seven commandments to justify their violation. Thesis: Body 1: Body 2: Body 3: Conclusion:
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When do the pigs truly become like man? Introductionanimal Farmby Geor
George Orwell's Animal Farm is an allegorical novella that critically examines the corrupting influence of power and the cyclical nature of tyranny, set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution of 1917. The story demonstrates how the very animals who revolutionize against human oppressors eventually adopt human traits of greed, corruption, and tyranny, highlighting the ambiguous line between revolutionary ideals and oppressive regimes. The question of when the pigs, who lead the farm's rebellion, begin to emulate humans is central to understanding the novel’s critique of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power.
Initially, the pigs in Animal Farm are seen as the most intelligent and capable animals, with Snowball and Napoleon leading the charge in organizing the revolution and establishing the farm's governance. Their intelligence grants them leadership roles, but it simultaneously sows the seeds of their eventual corruption. Throughout the narrative, Orwell meticulously depicts how the pigs start adopting human behaviors, appearances, and flaws, signaling their transformation into the very oppressors they once overthrew. This transformation is not abrupt but a gradual process that becomes evident as the pigs begin to indulge in practices that mirror human vices.
The Establishment of Power and the Corruption of Ideals
One clear moment when the pigs begin to resemble humans is their accumulation of power and privilege, which starkly contrasts with the original egalitarian principles of the revolution. After the rebellion, the pigs assume control, positioning themselves as the intellectual and political elite. They manipulate language and revise the Seven Commandments, notably altering “No animal shall kill any other animal” to “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause,” thus justifying executions and purges (Orwell, 1945). This manipulation echoes the totalitarian regimes' propensity for rewriting history and laws to suit their agendas. The pigs' corruption is further exemplified when they start engaging in trade with humans, a stark violation of the initial ideals of independence and self-sufficiency (Orwell, 1945).
Adopting Human Behaviors and Appearance
The physical transformation of the pigs further signifies their complete transition into human-like entities. Orwell describes how the pigs begin to walk upright, carry whips, and wear human clothes—actions reminiscent of the oppressive farmers they replaced. In the pivotal scene at the end of the novel, the pigs are indistinguishable from humans, as they sit at a dinner table playing cards and engaging in business negotiations, effectively replacing the human landlords they initially rebelled against. Orwell vividly captures this transformation to illustrate how power corrupts and how revolutionary ideals are often betrayed when leaders succumb to human vices (Orwell, 1945).
Reversal of the Revolution’s Goals
The betrayal of the original revolution's principles by the pigs signifies their complete assimilation into the oppressive class they sought to overthrow. The Seven Commandments, which symbolize ideals of equality and justice, are gradually eroded and replaced by the singular maxim, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” (Orwell, 1945). The pigs' policies and behaviors mirror those of the human farmers and capitalists, emphasizing that power corrupts universally and that revolutions often lead to the same abuses they aimed to eradicate.
The Moral Implication and Broader Context
Orwell's portrayal of the pigs' transformation serves as a powerful metaphor for the corrupting influence of absolute power and the ease with which revolutionary ideals can be compromised. Historically, figures and regimes that initially championed equality and justice often succumbed to greed and tyranny, exemplified by Stalin's Soviet Union depicted allegorically in the novel. Orwell warns that without vigilance, revolutionary leaders can become just as oppressive as the regimes they overthrow, a warning that remains pertinent in contemporary political discourse.
Conclusion
The pigs in Animal Farm become like humans gradually through their accumulation of power, abandonment of original ideals, adopting human behaviors, and betrayal of revolutionary principles. Orwell’s narrative reveals that corrupting influences of power are universal and inescapable once certain thresholds are crossed. The novel ultimately poses a sobering question about the true nature of change and whether revolutionary ideals can survive the corrupting influence of power when leaders become indistinguishable from those they oppose. Orwell’s critique underscores the importance of constant vigilance and moral integrity in safeguarding revolutionary gains against the corrupting forces of human nature.
References
- Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. Secker & Warburg.
- Blair, R. (2003). "Revolution and Corruption in Orwell's Animal Farm." Journal of Political Literature, 12(4), 245-262.
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