Table of ContentsIntroductionBody ParagraphConclusionIntroductionGeorge Orwell's Animal Farm is a profound allegory that encapsulates the perils of absolute power and its tendency to corrupt those who wield it exercise. Published in 1945, the short story uses a farm and its animals to symbolize the events that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of Stalinism in the Soviet Union. Through the story of oppressed animals overthrowing their human farmer to find themselves under the tyranny of their fellows, Orwell explores the corrupting influence of power. This essay examines how the narrative of Animal Farm illustrates the axiom "absolute power corrupts absolutely" by detailing the pigs' transformation from revolutionary to oppressive leaders. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBody ParagraphAt first, the animals on Mr. Jones' farm are subjected to severe exploitation and neglect. Inspired by Old Major's vision of an egalitarian society where all animals are free and equal, they stage a rebellion and succeed in overthrowing their human oppressor. Initially, the newly established animal farm operates according to the principles of animalism, where the welfare of the community is prioritized over individual gain. The Seven Commandments, particularly the dictum “All animals are equal,” sum up the idealistic aspirations of the revolution. However, as the pigs, particularly Napoleon and Snowball, take on leadership roles, the power dynamic begins to change. The rivalry between Napoleon and Snowball represents the initial struggle for control. When Napoleon usurps power by expelling Snowball, the seeds of corruption are sown. Napoleon's rise to power marked the beginning of a regime characterized by deception, manipulation and absolute authority. Napoleon consolidated his power through various means, including revising the Seven Commandments to suit his interests. The original commandment "All animals are equal" is gradually modified to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This perversion of the founding principles reflects the extent of the corruption that has taken hold. The pigs, now indistinguishable from the human oppressors they once overthrew, indulge in the same vices: drinking alcohol, sleeping in beds, and trading with humans. The use of propaganda and fear further strengthened Napoleon's absolute power. Squealer, Napoleon's propagandist, manipulates language and information to justify the pigs' actions and maintain control over the other animals. The threat of Jones' return is continually invoked to stifle dissent and fuel a climate of fear. Sheep, with their mindless repetition of slogans like “Four legs are good, two legs are bad,” embody manipulation and control of the masses. Furthermore, the gradual erosion of individual freedoms and the rise of a totalitarian regime underline the central theme of the novel. The animals, once united by a common cause, find themselves divided and oppressed under new leadership. The betrayal of Boxer, the hardworking horse, symbolizes the ultimate corruption of Napoleon's regime. Despite Boxer's unwavering loyalty and tireless work, he is mercilessly sold to the knacker when he is no longer useful. This act of betrayal highlights the moral decadence that accompanies the concentration of power. Orwell's portrait of the pigs' transformation from revolutionary leaders to tyrannical rulers serves as.