Brittany's Book Corner

'8Animal Farm' by George Orwell

Most people have at least heard of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” It is a modern classic, filled with social satire and analysis that has resonated for 80 years now. At this point, though, it is unlikely that most people have actually read it outside of school. I never had until this past weekend, when I sat down and finished the book in one sitting.

If you know anything about “Animal Farm,” you know that it is an allegory. Animals on a farm represent citizens of a country, more or less. It most obviously mirrors the major political events of the first half of the 20th century, and like Orwell’s other work, it is about as subtle as a brick thrown into a window.

Names like “Napoleon” and “Moses” make the roles of certain characters obvious, and the slogans and propaganda used by the pigs in power (yes, the entire farm is ruled by pigs) are almost silly. However, a lack of subtlety does not indicate a lack of cleverness – “Animal Farm” is a book filled with moments of shock and realization that affect the reader long after they have read it.

It is funny to think of how many people may have opened “Animal Farm” thinking it was a children’s book. It definitely seems that way at first glance. The title is childish, and most people look at a book with a pig on the cover and assume its demographic. The animals talk without any explanation, and their behavior quickly devolves into anthropomorphism.

After a few pages, it quickly becomes clear that the book is meant for adults, but I think it establishes something about the novel that is very different from most other works from this period – it is surprisingly easy to read and understand, so much so that even a child could grasp the implications of complicated politics. Orwell makes no attempt to confuse the readers in regard to what is happening, and it is refreshing to see a modernist writer lay themes bare for their reader. Exploration is optional but rewarding.

Another refreshing aspect of “Animal Farm” is that it is great fun. Many readers view classic novels as esoteric and boring. That is definitely true in some cases, but “Animal Farm” is witty and original in a way that only encourages further reading. I wouldn’t be surprised if the novella had inspired many readers to pursue greater knowledge of the Russian Revolution or its players solely for the purpose of better understanding the story and characters.

The plot is dark by nature, but it never feels heavy or overwhelming at any point. It is a call to arms, a reminder that our leaders do not define us, and, as cliche as it may sound, it is very inspiring. The part of “Animal Farm” that surprised me the most were its characters. I never expected to care so deeply for a cast of farm animals, but I truly believed in each one.

Even though they technically embody archetypes, I think it would be a disservice to say they are archetypal. They had a depth that some writers struggle to embody in humans. That’s what truly makes “Animal Farm” so unique, I think with the absurdist realism. You believe everything that happens despite the silliness. It helps that it has been repeatedly banned, which is all the more reason to read it.