Tyranny is the malformed system of government that takes away basic freedoms from its citizens.
Throughout history, many tyrants have arisen. In the 20th century the evil twins of tyranny were fascism and communism. Though they looked somewhat different, both forms of domination denied basic freedoms to citizens and crushed dissent violently.
For either of these political sorrows to develop, the press, radio and other forms of communication need to be controlled. This all begins with a powerful leader deciding what direction the country is going to travel, and then getting rid of all opposition. George Orwell tells stages of this terrifying process in a brilliantly written animal fable. The name of this famous book is "Animal Farm."
Mr. Jones owns a somewhat typical farm in England. There are pastures, barns, ponds and fields. Jones is a somewhat lazy and brutal man and his techniques cause anger and resentment among the animals. After suffering for a number of years, an ancient boar named "Old Major" addresses the animals about their plight. He rallies all the animals and tells them that "all men are enemies, and all animals are comrades." The speech electrifies the animals and they go into full-scale revolution against Farmer Jones.
In short order the animals drive all humans from the farm and set up a new government. Two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, are the leaders of the animals. Snowball is a dynamic speaker and creative thinker. He constantly tries to improve the new government through insightful plans and projects.
Napoleon has a very different type of personality. He says very little but is capable of violent action and cruelty. Soon the farm is under great stress as both pigs inevitably disagree with each other.
One day, Napoleon begins planning to take over the government and implement his will on all the other animals. He gathers a number of puppies and trains them to be vicious dogs while inculcating a cult-like devotion to himself. Napoleon then puts spiked collars on the canines and in the presence of all the animals, has the dogs attack Snowball. The harassed pig barely escapes with his life and Napoleon takes complete charge of the farm.
Immediately, changes begin showing up throughout the farm. Napoleon grooms other pigs to browbeat the animals into compliance. This begins by increasing the workload and reducing the food supply. Next, Napoleon vigorously propagandizes the animals. All the problems on the farm are blamed on nearby humans and the now-evil Snowball. In short order the animals are thoroughly brainwashed by the propaganda. Finally, beaten down, hungry and defenseless the animals are totally vulnerable. Napoleon’s time has arrived.
What does Napoleon do next? Can a leader deceive and brutalize his followers? What can the animals do in the face of this rising evil? What happens to the animals that disobey Napoleon? And finally, how does Orwell use this story to tell the chilling tale about the rise of despotic rule? To find out, go to the library and check out this famous fable detailing the rise of evil in a government.
"Animal Farm"is a classic work of fiction. Published in 1946, it predates by three years his equally famous and frightening novel, "1984." Orwell accurately and relentlessly addresses the abuses, lies and manipulations of an unscrupulous governmental leadership. He shows how corrupt leaders can take power away from their citizens through the use of raw force and deception.
As our world seems to be entering a period of great political uncertainty, this book is more necessary to read than ever. People in North America and Europe think their freedom can’t be taken away. Orwell has one response: "Think again!"
