Sunday 13 February 2011

What are the themes in Animal Farm?

The
overarching theme or meaning of is that a revolution will turn into
tyranny very quickly if ordinary people (or in the case of the book, animals) don't pay close
attention to what is going on. Closely related to that theme is a subject dear to 's heart:
language. He believed very strongly that words matter. Groups that want to grab power and
oppress others are clever in their use of propaganda (distorting the truth)to deceive others and
to serve their own ends.

From early on, but especially afteris driven off,
the pigs use language to grab unfair privileges for themselves. , however, always has a smooth
explanation that sounds plausible on the surface. Nobody ever pushes back hard enough or
challenges what is said in order to stop the pigs from taking what they want.


Another way the pigs set up a tyranny is through violence. Again, this happens because
nobody is paying attention.goes away with the puppies and by they time they return, he has
trained them to be killer dogs loyal only to him.

Be careful about how
language is used, the book warns. Look at words very closely to make sure they make sense. Push
back against ideas that are absurd, even if they are made to sound reasonable. Be careful too
not to let any one group amass too much potential for violence. All of this will help protect
against tyrants.

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