ANIMAL FARM IS EVIL!!!!

Conclusion of the Novel


In the novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, readers see the transformation of the pigs from idealistic to materialistic leaders.

It becomes apparent to readers that the pigs turn corrupt. Specifically, the pigs are overwhelmed with concern about themselves, instead of the well-being of the other animals. After the expulsion of Snowball from the farm, Napoleon puts himself in charge. Throughout his reign as absolute ruler, he constantly reminds the animals that his decisions are for the sake of their happiness. To solidify his hold on the leadership, Squealer is put in charge of what he does best: spinning the truth. He is tasked with erasing any doubt from the animals' minds about motives behind all of Napoleon's actions. Shortly after the formation of Animal Farm, there is a scuffle between some animals. They have discovered that their missing apples and milk have been added to the pigs' daily diet. According to Squealer, instead of putting these "brain foods" to waste, it is essential that the pigs eat them, so that the organization of the farm stays strong. He further explains to the animals that the pigs are eating the farm's produce on behalf of the animals.

As the novel progresses, the pigs become greedy. After Mr. Jones is overthrown and the pigs gain leadership of the farm, they use this opportunity to get more resources for themselves. The author writes, "All that year the animals worked like slaves. But they were happy in their work..." The pigs deceive the animals into thinking that they are working for themselves, making them content in their misery. In reality, the animals are slaving away for the pigs' benefit. In time, food rations for the other animals begin to diminish; despite this, the pigs continue to enjoy their fill of food. Many unforeseen shortages force Napoleon to begin trading with other farms in order to fulfill their basic needs and earn money. The farm has some leftover timber which the pigs decide to sell to Pinchfield to make profit. But a few days later, the farm discovers that the bank notes are forgeries, and are therefore worthless. The pigs, in their eagerness for money, do not think to protect themselves from being cheated

When Boxer splits his hoof, instead of sending him to the hospital like Napoleon promised, he sends the hardworking horse to the knackers. As the leader of Animal Farm, Napoleon decides to make money from the knackers, instead of paying money to the doctors. Once again, the pigs, as heads of the farm, take advantage of the other animals, using them to satisfy their own wants.

As the plot thickens, the pigs are discovered acting hypocritically. Napoleon and the rest of his kind are found drinking alcohol and playing cards with neighbouring farmers. Their outlandish behaviour causes the farm animals to investigate what the ruckus is about. The animals notice Napoleon making a toast to the prosperity of the farm after changing its name back to Manor Farm. This reversion of the name reveals Napoleon's need to be recognized by other farms as an equal, not just as a mere animal. This name change is of much importance to him because he wants it known that he is just as powerful, effective, successful and smart as a human.

Throughout the novel, the pigs gradually act more and more like humans. According to the Seven Commandments, no animal shall ever kill an animal. In Chapter 7, several animals confess to having been in association with Snowball after his expulsion; in response, Napoleon heartlessly slaughters them. After witnessing this frightening bloodshed, the animals become confused. Some animals start to question Napoleon's abuse of power. Clover recalls that after Old Major's idea of revolt, she thought the future held a picture of "a society of animals set free from hunger and the whip, all equal..." This surely is not the case. Another example of the violation of the Seven Commandments is the day after Boxer's death. To celebrate, similar to humans, the pigs have a crate of whiskey delivered to the farm, and they proceeded to drink it all away. The following morning, all of the pigs experience hangovers. Lastly, on page 113, George Orwell writes, "It was a pig walking on hind legs." It was quite ironic to imagine how the pigs formed a procession from the farmhouse walking on their hind legs, wearing clothing and carrying whips. Behind the line of what could be mistaken as humans, Clover hears the sheep bleating "Four legs good, two legs better!" over and over.

The last sentence of the book states, "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which." Looking at the humans and pigs through the window, they animals cannot differentiate the pigs from the people.

(c) allena nguyen, dominique bautista, maria fung, june022008