There’s something about the ending of George Orwell’s Animal Farm that hits different. Despite being a short novella, it packs a powerful punch, and its impact lingers far after you finish reading it. But what does the conclusion of the book actually symbolize?
For those who may not be familiar with this classic novel, the story takes place on an animal farm where the animals revolt against their human owner and establish their own society. Throughout the book, we see how power and corruption slowly start to eat away at the once-principled animals. Without giving too much away, the ending of Animal Farm is a gut-wrenching reminder of how easily ideals can be compromised for the sake of personal gain.
The conclusion of the book serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked power and how easily the best intentions can be corrupted. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant, especially in times of upheaval and change. Orwell manages to tell a timeless tale that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published over 75 years ago.
The Ending of Animal Farm
Animal Farm, a novel written by George Orwell, is a political allegory that depicts the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era in Soviet Union. The ending of the novel, in which the pigs who have taken over the farm become indistinguishable from their former human oppressors, symbolizes the failure of the revolution and the perversion of its ideals.
- Significance of the Pigs as Oppressors: The pigs, who initially rose to power in order to overthrow the human farmer and liberate the animals, eventually become corrupt and tyrannical leaders themselves. They engage in the same oppressive behaviors as their human predecessors, gradually shifting from the revolutionary ideals of Animalism to the oppressive tactics of the human oppressors.
- Use of Propaganda: Throughout the novel, the pigs use propaganda to manipulate the other animals and maintain their power. Similarly, the Soviet Union under Stalin used similar tactics to indoctrinate and control the population.
- The Loss of Revolutionary Ideals: The novel demonstrates how the ideals of revolution can be subverted and ultimately lost, as the pigs trade their original principles for the trappings of power and privilege.
The ending of Animal Farm is a stark reminder of the potential failure of any revolution, as those who initially seek to create lasting positive change in a society can easily become corrupted and replaced by new oppressors. It serves as a powerful commentary on the perils of authoritarianism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic ideals.
The Power of Propaganda
In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, propaganda is a powerful tool that is used by the ruling pigs to control the thoughts and actions of the other animals. Throughout the novel, the pigs use propaganda to justify their actions and gain the support of the other animals. In the end, the power of propaganda is one of the main factors that leads to the downfall of Animal Farm.
- One of the most powerful propaganda techniques used in Animal Farm is the use of slogans. The pigs create simple, catchy slogans that the other animals can repeat and remember. Examples include “Four legs good, two legs bad” and “All animals are equal.” These slogans are repeated throughout the novel, and they help to create a sense of unity among the animals.
- The pigs also use propaganda to demonize their enemies and create a sense of fear among the other animals. For example, they use Squealer to convince the other animals that Snowball is a traitor and a danger to the farm. This propaganda allows the pigs to justify their actions and suppress any opposition.
- In addition, the pigs use propaganda to rewrite history and distort the truth. For example, they change the Seven Commandments to suit their needs and alter the story of the Battle of the Cowshed to make themselves look like heroes. This propaganda creates confusion and makes it difficult for the other animals to know what is really happening.
Ultimately, the power of propaganda is a major factor in the downfall of Animal Farm. As the pigs become more corrupt and authoritarian, they use propaganda to maintain their power and suppress any opposition. The other animals are unable to see through the lies and deceit, and they are eventually left in a state of confusion and disillusionment.
| Propaganda Technique | Examples from Animal Farm |
|---|---|
| Slogan | “Four legs good, two legs bad” and “All animals are equal” |
| Demonization | Convincing the animals that Snowball is a traitor and a danger to the farm |
| Distortion of Truth | Changing the Seven Commandments and altering the story of the Battle of the Cowshed |
In conclusion, the power of propaganda is a central theme in Animal Farm. The pigs use propaganda to control the thoughts and actions of the other animals, and ultimately, this propaganda is one of the main factors that leads to the downfall of the farm. Through the use of slogans, demonization, and distortion of truth, the pigs are able to maintain their power and suppress any opposition. The novel highlights the dangers of propaganda and underscores the importance of critical thinking and a willingness to question authority.
The Corruption of Power
One of the major themes in Animal Farm is the corruption of power. As the pigs rise to power and take control of the farm, they become greedy and oppressive. This corruption of power is represented throughout the novel, but it is particularly evident in the ending.
- The pigs become more and more like the humans they overthrew. As they gain power and privilege, they adopt the same behaviors and attitudes of their previous oppressors. This is seen in the way they walk upright like humans, wear clothes, and start to use money.
- Napoleon, the main pig in power, becomes more ruthless and dictatorial as the story progresses. He uses violence and intimidation to maintain his position and quash any opposition.
- The other animals gradually lose their rights and freedoms as the pigs become more powerful. They are manipulated and brainwashed, and their work becomes harder and less rewarding. They are no longer equal, but instead, are divided into classes based on their usefulness to the pigs.
The ending of the novel symbolizes the ultimate corruption of power. The pigs have become so entrenched in their power that they are indistinguishable from the humans they originally overthrew. They have changed the rules to benefit themselves, and they have suppressed any dissent with brutal force. The final scene, where the pigs and humans cannot tell them apart, shows that the corruption of power has led to the complete erasure of the original ideals of the revolution. The pigs have become the oppressors they sought to overthrow.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pigs | Leaders who become corrupted by power |
| Dogs | The military, who enforce the pigs’ rule through violence and fear |
| Boxer | The working class, who are exploited and eventually betrayed by the pigs |
The symbols in the novel reinforce the idea that corruption of power leads to oppression and exploitation. The pigs represent the corrupt leaders, the dogs stand in for the military, and Boxer represents the working class. As the pigs become more powerful and corrupt, the other animals suffer and lose their freedoms and rights. The ending shows that when leaders become corrupt, the original ideals and values of a movement can be completely erased, leaving only oppression and tyranny in their wake.
The Symbolism of the Animal Characters
In George Orwell’s classic novel, Animal Farm, the farm animals symbolize various political figures and social classes. The ending of the story brings the symbolism full circle, revealing the true nature of those in power and the consequences of revolutions.
The Ultimate Betrayal: Boxer the Horse
- Boxer, the strong and loyal workhorse, represents the working class and laborers.
- His tragic end, being sent to the glue factory instead of retirement, symbolizes the betrayal of the proletariat by the ruling class.
- It highlights the danger of blindly trusting those in power to have their best interests in mind.
The Pigs’ Corruption: Napoleon and Snowball
Napoleon and Snowball, the two pigs leading the revolution, are symbolic of the leaders of Communist Russia: Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky, respectively.
- As the story progresses, Napoleon becomes corrupted by his own power and becomes authoritarian, manipulating the other animals for his own gain.
- Snowball is a symbol of Trotsky, who was eventually exiled by Stalin and demonized by propaganda, like the way Napoleon used Squealer to spread lies about Snowball.
- The pigs’ corruption highlights the danger of putting too much power in the hands of a few individuals and the potential for corruption and abuse of power.
Scapegoating: The Role of Scapegoats in Society
In the novel, the sheep and other animals that blindly follow Napoleon and the pigs represent the role of conformist members of society, who do not question those in power and are easily manipulated.
The animals also use Scapegoating to maintain cohesion in the animal community by targeting animals considered naturally inferior, for instance, blaming the destruction of the windmill on Snowball.
| Symbolism in the Novel | Real-Life Examples |
|---|---|
| The sheep following Napoleon and the pigs | Blind conformists following dictators in history. |
| The animal scapegoats | Racial, ethnic, or religious groups targeted during the Nazi regime, for instance. |
| Napoleon’s manipulation of the truth and history | The suppression of books and revisions of history in totalitarian states throughout history. |
The use of scapegoating highlights the danger of blindly following those in power and the importance of critical thinking and standing up for marginalized groups.
The failure of the revolution
The ending of Animal Farm symbolizes the failure of the revolution. Despite the animals’ initial intention of creating a society based on equality and fairness, they end up creating a system that mirrors the human society they overthrew. The pigs, particularly Napoleon, seize power and establish a dictatorship, oppressing the other animals and turning them into mere subjects. Here are some reasons why the revolution failed:
- Corruption and power-hungry leaders: The pigs, who were supposed to represent the working class, became corrupt and power-hungry. They manipulated the Commandments and the other animals to justify their actions, and eventually, they became the new oppressors.
- Lack of education and critical thinking: The animals lacked proper education and critical thinking skills, which made them susceptible to propaganda and manipulation. They easily believed what the pigs told them, and they didn’t question the changes that were happening in the farm.
- Oppression and fear: The pigs used oppression and fear to maintain their power. They created a secret police force, the dogs, which terrorized the other animals and prevented them from speaking out or rebelling. The animals were constantly reminded of their inferior status and were made to work harder and suffer more.
The failure of the revolution in Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of democracy, freedom, and critical thinking. It shows that any society, regardless of its initial goals or ideals, can be corrupted by power, greed, and fear if its members do not remain vigilant and actively participate in its governance.
As George Orwell wrote, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This quote encapsulates the irony and tragedy of the animals’ revolution. Despite their best efforts and intentions, they ended up creating a society that was even more unequal and oppressive than the one they overthrew.
The ending of Animal Farm reminds us that revolutions are not easy or instantaneous. They require sustained effort, vigilance, and a commitment to democratic and egalitarian principles. Anything less than that is a recipe for disaster.
The Role of Education in Maintaining Power
As George Orwell’s Animal Farm comes to a close, the ending symbolizes a larger commentary on the role of education in maintaining power. Throughout the novel, the pigs in charge of the farm manipulate the other animals by using rhetoric and propaganda to maintain their position of authority. This manipulation goes hand-in-hand with the subversion of education, as the pigs change the rules and rewrite history to suit their own needs, supporting the narrative they are trying to push on the other animals.
The education system becomes a tool of oppression, as the pigs use their advanced knowledge and ability to read and write to establish themselves as the intellectual elite. By controlling the narrative of history and altering the animals’ perception of reality, the pigs are able to maintain their power and keep the other animals under their control.
- The pigs in Animal Farm use education to maintain power over the other animals and maintain their position as the intellectual elite.
- The manipulation of the education system allows the pigs to control the narrative of history and establish their own version of reality.
- The use of rhetoric and propaganda to manipulate the other animals goes hand-in-hand with the subversion of education.
By the end of the novel, the pigs have completely twisted the principles upon which the farm was founded, completely betraying the original vision of a society where all animals were equal. The pigs have become the oppressors, and the education system has been used to justify their position at the top of the hierarchy.
| Animal | Original Vision | Final Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Horses | To be treated with dignity and respect | Exploited for labor and sent to the glue factory when no longer useful |
| Dogs | To protect the other animals from harm | Used to silence dissent and maintain control over the other animals |
| Sheep | To be given a voice in society | Brainwashed into bleating mindlessly in support of the pigs |
Overall, the ending of Animal Farm symbolizes the dangers of education being used as a tool for oppression, and the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority. It serves as a warning against blind obedience and exploitation, and a call to action to empower individuals to resist systems of oppression.
The Impact of Fear and Intimidation on Individuals and Groups
Fear and intimidation play a significant role in the ending of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Throughout the novel, the pigs, who represent the ruling class, use fear and intimidation to maintain their control over the other animals. However, as the novel comes to a close, the true impact of these tactics becomes clear.
- The pigs use fear to control the other animals. They frequently remind the other animals of the dangers of Mr. Jones, the previous owner of the farm, and suggest that if the pigs are not in charge, Mr. Jones will return. This constant reminder of past trauma keeps the animals in a state of fear and makes them more willing to accept the pigs’ leadership.
- Individuals who speak out against the pigs are punished. When the pig Napoleon feels threatened by Snowball, he takes steps to silence him, including spreading lies about him and eventually having him exiled from the farm. This sends a clear message to the other animals that speaking out against the ruling class will not be tolerated.
- The pigs use intimidation to maintain their control over the other animals. They frequently employ violent tactics, such as sending attack dogs after animals who disobey them. These violent displays serve as a warning to the other animals, reinforcing the idea that the pigs are in charge and must be obeyed.
At the end of the novel, the full impact of these tactics becomes clear. The pigs have become the very thing they once fought against, turning the farm into a place of tyranny and oppression. The animals are no longer equal and instead live in fear of the ruling class.
| Fear and Intimidation Tactics Used by the Pigs | Impact on the Animals |
|---|---|
| Constant reminders of past trauma, suggestion that Mr. Jones will return | Keeps the animals in a state of fear, makes them more willing to accept the pigs’ leadership |
| Punishing individuals who speak out against the pigs | Sends a clear message that speaking out against the ruling class will not be tolerated |
| Violent displays, such as sending attack dogs after disobedient animals | Reinforces the idea that the pigs are in charge and must be obeyed |
The ending of Animal Farm serves as a warning about the dangers of fear and intimidation. When individuals or groups use these tactics to maintain control, the result is often tyranny and oppression. The novel reminds us that it is our duty to speak out against injustice, even in the face of fear and intimidation.
The dangers of blind loyalty
Animal Farm is a satirical novel that portrays the dangers of blind loyalty. Throughout the novel, the pigs rise to power and slowly become corrupted as they gain more control over the other animals. The ending of Animal Farm symbolizes the dangers of blind loyalty through its depiction of the pigs’ abuse of power and the tragic consequences of blindly following a leader.
- Blind obedience: Animal Farm depicts how blind obedience can lead to abuse of power. The animals on the farm blindly follow the pigs, believing that they are working for the greater good. However, the pigs take advantage of their power and become corrupt, eventually becoming indistinguishable from the humans they once fought against.
- The cult of personality: The pigs use propaganda and manipulation to create a cult of personality around themselves. They paint themselves as selfless leaders working for the greater good, even as they become more tyrannical in their rule. Their followers are unable to see the truth, blinded by loyalty to their leaders.
- The dangers of groupthink: The animals on the farm fall into a groupthink mentality, blindly following the pigs’ lead without questioning their motives or actions. They are easily swayed by propaganda and manipulation, leading to disastrous consequences for the farm.
The ending of Animal Farm serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following a leader. The pigs’ abuse of power and manipulation of the other animals leads to a dystopian society where the animals are oppressed by their own leaders. The novel emphasizes the importance of questioning authority and not blindly following those in power, lest we fall victim to the same abuses of power and tyranny depicted in the book.
| Blind loyalty | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Blind obedience to leadership | Abuse of power by leadership |
| The cult of personality | Manipulation of followers for personal gain |
| The dangers of groupthink | Loss of individual thinking and independent decision-making |
In conclusion, the ending of Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind loyalty. The novel depicts how blindly following a leader can lead to the abuse of power, manipulation, and the loss of individual thinking. It is important to always question authority and not blindly follow those in power, as this can lead to disastrous consequences for society.
The Relationship Between Individual Freedom and Collective Welfare
Throughout the novel, Animal Farm, George Orwell explores how the pursuit of individual freedom can threaten the collective welfare of a society. This theme is evident in the book’s ending, where the pigs and the humans become virtually indistinguishable, repressive, and corrupt.
One of the main reasons why the animals revolted against Mr. Jones in the first place was to gain individual freedom. Unfortunately, the pigs, who represent the Communist Party, slowly began to abuse their power and take advantage of their fellow animals. As they became more corrupt, the pigs’ actions resulted in the very loss of freedom they had once fought for. By the end of the novel, the pigs are indistinguishable from the humans, and the original ideals of the revolution are completely forgotten.
The Consequences of Ignoring Collective Welfare
- The pigs oppress the other animals, limiting their freedom and controlling their actions
- The lack of collective welfare leads to the erosion of the original revolutionary ideals
- The animals become disillusioned and suffer
The Importance of Striking a Balance
The ending of Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of focusing solely on individual freedom while ignoring collective welfare. The book shows that when one group focuses exclusively on individual freedom, it can lead to corruption and oppression of others. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between the two. In a healthy society, individuals should have the freedom to pursue their own goals and happiness, but not at the expense of the group’s well-being.
In conclusion, Animal Farm’s ending signifies how the pursuit of individual freedom, when taken to the extreme, can lead to the destruction of collective welfare. The novel demonstrates how it is essential to value and balance both individual freedom and collective welfare for the benefit of a society as a whole.
The Characters’ Individual Freedom and Collective Welfare in Table Form
| Characters | Individual Freedom | Collective Welfare |
|---|---|---|
| Mr.Jones | The master of the farm without any restriction. | His incapacity to provide basic needs of the animals is the cause of the revolution. |
| Old Major | Freedom to dream his vision of animal utopia | The well-being of all animals |
| Napoleon | Freedom to control the farm with his followers | The power over the farm against all other animals for personal gain |
| Boxer | Individual freedom to work hard and be loyal | Collective welfare of doing his job and serving the farm as a whole |
The table above summarizes how Animal Farm’s major characters balance individual freedom and collective welfare. Mr. Jones had unlimited individual freedom; unfortunately, he neglected the welfare of the animals. Old Major’s dream was for a better farm for all animals, exhibiting the importance of collective welfare. Napoleon’s individual freedom caused the destruction of collective welfare, leading to tyranny. Boxer’s individual freedom was his choice of putting his hard work for the good of all animals in the farm.
The Relevance of Animal Farm in Contemporary Politics
Animal Farm is a timeless piece of literature that has relevance in today’s political climate. The book serves as a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and the corruption of power. Here are some ways in which Animal Farm is relevant to contemporary politics:
- The rise of authoritarianism: Animal Farm demonstrates how a seemingly democratic society can descend into authoritarianism, and how easily people can be misled and controlled by demagogues.
- The manipulation of language: In Animal Farm, language is used as a tool to manipulate the animals and control the narrative. This is an important lesson in today’s age of propaganda and fake news.
- The danger of blind loyalty: The animals in Animal Farm are loyal to their cause, but that loyalty is ultimately manipulated and exploited by the pigs. This is a reminder of how dangerous blind loyalty can be, and how important it is to remain critical and skeptical of those in power.
Animal Farm also offers insight into the nature of power and corruption. The pigs in the book start off as mere revolutionaries, but soon become corrupted by their own power. This is a reminder of how easily power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.
Furthermore, Animal Farm is a cautionary tale against the dangers of groupthink. The animals in the book are all united in their cause, but they fail to recognize when their cause has been corrupted. This is a reminder of how important it is to remain vigilant and to question authority, even when it seems counterintuitive.
| Lesson | Example from Animal Farm |
|---|---|
| The rise of authoritarianism | The pigs’ gradual takeover of the farm and establishment of their own dictatorship. |
| The manipulation of language | The pigs’ use of slogans and propaganda to manipulate the animals. |
| The danger of blind loyalty | The animals’ blind loyalty to the pigs, even as the pigs become more corrupt. |
| The nature of power and corruption | The pigs’ gradual corruption and abuse of their power, despite their initial intentions. |
| The dangers of groupthink | The animals’ failure to recognize when their cause has been corrupted and their blind adherence to their leaders. |
Overall, Animal Farm remains highly relevant in modern politics. Its lessons about the dangers of totalitarianism, propaganda, and groupthink serve as an important reminder of the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority in our political discourse.
FAQs: What does the ending of Animal Farm symbolize?
1. What happens at the end of Animal Farm?
At the end of Animal Farm, the pigs gradually become more and more like humans. They begin to walk on two legs, wear clothes, and even hold social events with neighboring humans.
2. What is the meaning of the pigs walking on two legs?
The pigs walking on two legs symbolize their transformation into humans and their abandonment of the principles of animalism. It marks the end of the animals’ hope for a utopian society.
3. Why do some animals try to speak up against the pigs’ actions?
Some animals try to speak up against the pigs’ actions because they recognize the pigs’ betrayal of the animal’s original goals of equality and justice. They resist the corrupting influence and hold onto their principles until they are silenced by the pigs’ violence.
4. Does Animal Farm have a happy ending?
No, Animal Farm does not have a happy ending. The animals’ initial goal of creating a society based on equality and justice is abandoned, and the pigs become indistinguishable from the humans they once sought to overthrow.
5. What are some examples of the pigs’ betrayal of animalism?
The pigs’ betrayal of animalism includes their decision to move into the farmhouse, wear clothes, and hold social events with neighboring humans. They also alter the commandments and use violence to suppress any resistance from the other animals.
6. What is the significance of the animals watching the pigs become more human-like?
The animals’ witnessing the pigs become more human-like symbolizes their powerlessness and inability to prevent the corruption and betrayal of their original goals. It also underscores the cyclical nature of history, in which revolutions often give way to new forms of oppression.
7. What lessons can we learn from the ending of Animal Farm?
The ending of Animal Farm teaches us that power inevitably corrupts and that revolutions often end up creating new forms of oppression. It also warns us of the dangers of blindly following leaders without questioning their actions and values.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for exploring the symbolism behind the ending of Animal Farm with me. The book’s tragic conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the need to remain vigilant about those in power and the importance of holding onto our values and principles. I hope you will come back to read more of our articles in the future.