Animal Farm by George Orwell

"All animals are equal but some are more equal than others"

'Animal Farm' is George Orwell's most celebrated work alongside '1984'. In its first reading, Animal Farm seems like a 'Panchtantra' story with animals who can speak, read, think and communicate with each other but there are hidden meanings and metaphors throughout the book.

The story starts in an English farm 'Manor Farm' with a Mr Jones as the owner. One day, the oldest and wisest animal on the farm a boar tells his fellow animals about his dream. His dream was to establish Animalism on earth with animals taking care of themselves and their needs without any human masters. He also warns them about not adopting the vices of man e.g. drinking, smoking, trading money etc. After his death, one day the animals revolt and take over the farm which is renamed as 'Animal Farm'. The pigs become the decision makers as they were the most intelligent with two pigs, 'Snowball' and 'Napolean' having the reins. Animalism also had seven commandments, namely

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy

2. Whaterver goes upon four legs or has wings is an enemy

3. No animal shall wear clothes

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed

5. No animal shall drink alcohol

6. No animal shall kill other animal

7. All animals are equal

What happens afterwords is a classic example of 'Power corrupts and Absolute Power corrupts absolutely'. I will refrain from revealing any more facts about the novel.

The book was written in 1943-44 and is a satire on USSR and Communism. There are incidents throughout the novel resembling Russia's I War of Independence, II War of Independence, Stalin's coming to power and his ruthless execution of opponents, Russia and Germany signing a treaty before II World War and Germany betraying Russia etc. I will explain this with an example: 'Animalism' in itself had good intentions and was perfect for animals. But with time its interpretation was faulty to suit the ruling pigs. Also the flag of Animal Farm is similar in design to the flag of USSR.

The book is a light and easy read at 150 odd pages.