Animal Farm by George Orwell is a classic literature short story, or fairy story, about totalitarianism. The story takes place on Manor Farm, where various farm animals initially live with the owner named Farmer Jones. However, the animals’ rebel and drive Farmer Jones out of the farm after a speech from one of the wise pigs. The animals are left to run the farm themselves, and two pigs named Napoleon and Snowball are assigned as leaders. The events that follow demonstrate the impact of a totalitarian government.
The Death of Stalin is a darkly comedic masterpiece that hilariously chronicles the chaotic power vacuum following Joseph Stalin's demise. This action-packed film, though rooted in historical events, unfolds with a frenetic energy as high-ranking Soviet officials scramble for control, engaging in backstabbing, betrayals and farcical power plays.
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.
Summary: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the absurd and paradoxical experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. bomber pilot stationed on the fictional island of Pianosa.
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel that explores the absurdity of human pursuits and the destructiveness of technological advancements. The story follows the narrator, John (or Jonah), as he attempts to write a book about the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. His research leads him to the enigmatic Dr. Felix Hoenikker, the inventor of the apocalyptic substance Ice-Nine, which can freeze water instantly.
The Scarlet Letter is a story that follows Hester Prynne, a woman living in 17th century Puritan society, who has been accused of adultery and must wear a letter “A” to atone for her sin. She struggles to raise her baby without the father there to help her, as he will not confess to his sin. Hester continues to hide the identity of the baby’s father from her husband and the rest of the town until the baby grows up and it’s ultimately revealed.
Catch-22 is a book that follows a World War II bombardier called Yossarian that wants to leave the army. He isn’t able to because of a catch: the only way to leave the army is to plead insanity but if one is sane enough to plead insanity, they should be sane enough to stay in the army. He is constantly met with these contradictions and catches throughout his time in the army, as he continues to simply want to survive and be done with war.
In this classic satire a demon, named Screwtape, writes to his nephew, Wormwood. In this satire, Screwtape is somewhat of a mentor to Wormwood, giving him advice on how to deceive the person that Wormwood is in charge of. This is a satire, as it gives an insight, for Christians, or other readers, into how Satan steals, kills, and destroys.
We have all grown up in a country where democracy has continuously been advocated, fought for, and has even pandered peace, but sometimes we fail to see why that happens. Animal Farm takes you on a journey on how a totalitarian regime rises, progresses, and ultimately oppresses. This novel allowed me to view not only communism but democracy from a different lens that I never inherently comprehended prior to reading this book.
