In my opinion, Animal Farm is a brilliant and powerful work that captures the dangers of power and corruption in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you don’t know much about the historical context. Orwell’s use of animals to represent real historical figures and political movements makes the story both engaging and accessible, while also delivering a biting critique of how revolutions can go wrong.
What stands out to me is how quickly the revolution’s ideals are compromised. The animals start with the hopeful vision of equality, but it doesn’t take long for the pigs to start bending the rules to serve their own interests. The slogan "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" perfectly captures the hypocrisy that emerges when leaders become more concerned with maintaining power than with justice or fairness. It’s a reminder of how easily people (or pigs) can manipulate language and ideals to suit their own agendas.
At the same time, the novella can be a bit bleak, as it offers little hope for the animals by the end. Orwell’s message is clear: unchecked power leads to tyranny, no matter how noble the original intentions. There’s a sense of inevitability as Napoleon consolidates control, and that can be a tough pill to swallow. Still, the story’s relevance to politics and human nature is timeless.
Animal Farm is a short but profound work that offers a sharp critique of power, corruption, and political manipulation. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or human behavior, and its lessons are just as relevant today as when it was written. Orwell’s ability to distill complex ideas into a simple and engaging story is what makes this book so impactful. Overall, I really liked this book and would give it five out of five stars.