Category: Book Reviews

Animal Farm is a political fable which highlights the downfalls of some political and economic systems. Specifically in the book, it talks of a system known as Animalism. It is considered as one of Britain’s most classical stories and post- war novel.
The themes explored in this book are mainly dictatorship, power and politics.

In this blog post, I will be exploring Animal Farm in more detail.

• What is the book about?
  Animal Farm is a highly political book which explores dictatorship and misuse of power. Indeed, there are many political interpretations to this book. However, I believe Animal Farm is about the dangers of ideologies and how something innocent or beneficial can be manipulated. In the beginning of the book, an idea through a dream is told by Old Major. This idea is that animals on the farm will solely benefit from their produce and not imitate the ‘vices of man’. A very fair, simple and liberating idea which later becomes the very cause of oppression.
• Which part of the book was the most emotive?
  The saddest part of the book is what happens to Boxer. I won’t reveal too much BUT he was one of the most loyal and hardworking animal in the farm who strongly believed in the cause. Yet, he suffered a cruel fate. It was an emotive part of the story and a betrayal of trust. This aspect of Animal Farm got me emotive because of the distortion of events. Despite events being distorted throughout the novel, I wasn’t prepared for the distortion in Chapter 9.
• What literary devices are used to enhance Animal Farm?
  • Songs and Poetry
    •  ‘The Beast of England’ is a powerful song to the animals which usually consoled them in times of hardship. This song reflected the morale of the animals for instance when it was sung continuously it showed how enthusiastic and liberated they felt about the movement of Animalism. In chapter 5 however, it was only sung once. This was done to illustrate the burdens of the movement.
    • The Comrade Napoleon poem was written in a style in resemblance of a hymn where Napoleon is given godlike attributes such as being omniscient as expressed in the line ‘thou watchest over all’ and ‘calm and commanding eye’. This poem praises him and further reinforces the power in which he has.
  • Symbolism
    • In chapter 5  when Napoleon takes away the debate which usually takes place on Sundays. It was symbolic of taking away their free speech and ability to think independently.

• Who should read this book?
  Some regard this book as a children’s book and personally, I do not believe it is. I think children would not be able to fully grasp all the dimensions of this novel so I would say Young Adults and upwards. As well as anyone with an interest in politics.

This book is for you if:

• You enjoy political books
• Like books with a moral message
• Want a short read
• Want to read a classic book

This book is not for you if:

• Dislike politics
• Want a long read
• Don’t want to think or analyse too much.
• Don’t want to be pressured into reading classics