Themes fromThemes from Animal Animal FarmFarm

By: ErinBy: Erin

Edited by: CatherineEdited by: Catherine

Animal Farm“Man no longer exists as an individual, only the leader. The masses are just

extensions of the leader”In the story Jones rules, and the animals

only exist as the masses because they follow Jones. They are no longer individuals because they do everything they are told, and never speak out. Later with Napoleon as the dictator, the animals never have a voice and must do what is asked of them. Because some courageous animals actually voice their opinion, they become individuals and are quickly silenced. They are murdered because the pigs fear that the animals will no longer exist as the masses if they figure out that they have no personal power.

Russian revolution “Man no longer exists as an individual,

only the leader. The masses are just extensions of the leader”

During the Russian Revolution the Bolsheviks gain complete power, therefore the people only exist as the masses. The people who are under the rule of Lenin than later Stalin have no voice in the government, or business. If someone does try to speak out against Lenin or Stalin they are locked up or silenced for eternity.

Animal Farm “Common Decency, good will and good intensions are not enough…they should

be, but there not”The horses, Boxer and Clover from

Animal Farm, are always hard workers and their intentions are always for the best, though their work is never rewarded. For example, Boxer constantly works hard throughout the book; and dutifully does as he is told, but Napoleon sends Boxer to be killed even after all he has done. Clover, who at the end of the book has worked two years past the retiring age, never slows down and always follows obediently. Even after her many years of commitment and hard work, Napoleon quickly drops the subject of retirement which forces animals to work for their whole lives.

Russian Revolution “Common Decency, good will and good intensions are not enough…they should

be, but there not”All the people are affected and harmed

during the rule of the Bolsheviks. Even if the people try to follow their leaders unquestionably, the citizens will remain in harm’s way. Even as the people follow their leaders without question the harsh influential group of rulers have no mercy for the less fortunate.

Animal Farm “Power corrupts absolute power corrupts

absolutely” Throughout the story, Napoleon’s power

continually increases; but he never is satisfied. Napoleon is always greedy for more power in order to have complete control over everyone. Later, he becomes corrupt because of his excessive need for control.

Russian Revolution “Power corrupts absolute power corrupts

absolutely” Stalin loses power because he is always

hungry for more power, and is never satisfied with the power that he has. As Stalin dies Russia is completely corrupt because the power was not evenly distributed, and the citizens did not count as people. No power is given to the people under Stalin’s rule. Only him, and a few other privileged individuals live with power and respect in the community.

“Sometimes we do things we don’t understand, we just feel we have to do

something”In the story, Boxer always works extremely

hard; but he is unaware of the reason to put in so much effort. Boxer questions why he pushes himself so far and for what purpose, but he never truly understands the fact of Napoleon’s supremacy and influence over the farm. Clover, who is also an immense help to the farm, always does what is asked of her. Clover and all of the other animals never realize the point of all of the dedication and hard work. The animals put in the effort because they think they are helping the farm as a free republic, but the animals do not understand what their work is really being put into the welfare of the pigs.

Russian Revolution“Sometimes we do things we don’t

understand, we just feel we have to do something”

During the Revolution the people do most everything they are told. They do as they are told because they fear they must accomplish their task, though they do not know why. The dread and horror of the citizens have a cause and effect action. Because the people are so intimidated by their government, they work hard and put in every effort that they have.

Animal Farm“A good idea in human hands easily

becomes an evil idea”As Napoleon gains complete control over

the farm, it is noticed that overthrowing Jones was probably very unwise. The excellent idea of animals controlling the farm turns as Napoleon decides he is going to have a total control over the animals. Napoleon causes the idea to turn evil as he chases Snowball off the farm. After Snowball is gone, Napoleon easily gains absolute power. At that moment, the idea becomes evil because Napoleon becomes a tyrant; so the animals are forced to do everything they are told. Therefore the farm is now under communist rule, or otherwise known as totalitarianism.

Russian Revolution “A good idea in human hands easily

becomes an evil idea”The Russian Revolution starts out as a good cause; it is supposed to make everyone equal. The two sides fighting are either for or against communism. Though as Lenin and communism takes control, the Revolution quickly turns evil. The Revolution is now wicked because Lenin distributed the power unevenly causing the people to suffer, and only the small party of communists to thrive.