Power and Manipulation

If people do not stand up for themselves, others will take advantage and bring them under
control. In the book Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, many different leaders take full
control of the dull, defenseless animals on the farm, which shows direct comparison to the
Russian Revolution. The author points out that peoples ignorance can lead to their political and
social oppression. Peoples ignorance acts against them when they ignore what is wrong, do not
defend themselves and when they blindly do what they are told.
First of all, people corrupt themselves when they ignore what is wrong. Once Mr. Jones
took control of the farm things began getting out of hand. As mentioned in the book, The pigs
did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. With their superior knowledge it
was natural that they should assume the leadership(27). This quote really shows how foolish the
animals were to let the pigs rule them. It proves that the animals corrupted themselves by
ignoring what is wrong. This translates to real life as well. People are successful when they can
tell the difference between right and wrong, and debate on arguments they do not agree with.
Second, when people dont defend themselves and do what they are told, it usually ends
up costing them. As stated in the book, Throughout the spring and summer they worked a sixtyhour week, and in August Napoleon announced there would be work on Sunday afternoons as
well. This was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have their
rations reduced by half(59). Napoleon basically forces the animals to work on Sundays in order
to eat. This nonsense continues, and gets even worse throughout the book, but the animals are
blind and do nothing to stop it. Similarly, during the Russian Revolution, people were forced to
work and follow new rules.
Lastly, powerful leaders take control of others through fear and manipulation. Napoleon
had gained control of the animals through fear. He had taken some puppies hostage to later use
them to take control of his people. And so the tail of confessions and executions continues on,

until there was a pile of corpses lying before napoleons feet and the air was heavy with the smell
of blood(84). This marks the total end of equality for the farm. The animals were completely
frightened and could not do anything to stop it. This event relates to the harsh brutality of the
communist societies to control the lower-class citizens.
In conclusion, the book relates to the rule in communist Russia which is exactly how the
rule in Animal Farm is portrayed. The book also relates to everyday life. Peoples ignorance can
contribute to their political and social oppression. People need to stand up for themselves and
fight their problems.