Seldom, works of literature compel you to look up further on the subjects in which they delve. I have no qualms on spending additional time to explore the themes in this novel, about the author and the reception for this exceptional piece of fiction. Here is an attempt at reviewing Animal Farm, by George Orwell, that featured in Time's All-Time 100 Best English-language novels, won a retrospective Hugo award and recently featured in World Economic Forum book club members' seven favorite reads for quarantine.
My take on the narration:
- A short read (150 pages in the pocket-sized edition), but a heavy one. Simple, clear, purposeful and effective. Some of the allegories are easy on the brain. For instance, who cannot relate the word "comrades" to a group of communists? Most chapters begin with a gist of the remainder of the chapter so although answers to our "what happens next" questions are known, what seems to be more interesting are answers to "how" and "why". Though the sentences or words were simple and direct, the prose is always engaging.
Quote:
"During the next three months there was much secret activity. Major's speech had given to the more intelligent animals on the farm a completely new outlook on life. They did not know when the Rebellion predicted by Major would take place, they had no reason for thinking that it would be within their own lifetime, but they saw clearly that it was their duty to prepare for it."
- Orwell formed six rules for effective writing. While I looked out for these when reading, one that is clearly reflected is:
- Never use a long word where a short one will do.
- I started at a slow pace admiring the narration which was concise yet descriptive at times. In the beginning, the backdrop is set with great detail - the farm and all its elements, the countryside, the humans. It was heartening to find a full-length song 'Beasts of England' written and its tune described so I sang the first few stanzas in my mind in one of the tunes mentioned. In the context of this song, one cannot ignore the genius of the author that he composes this song - created for a purpose that is pure - technically better than the other songs/poems in the book. The story picks up the pace gradually and does not slow down for a hopeful twist at the beginning turns into disturbing, gory and eventually, doom.
- Before reading the book, I did not know about Russian politics and the Soviet rebellion which serves as a basis for this satire but took gradual interest while reading the book. The divide in the factions (white and red) is depicted through the two central characters Snowball and Napolean.
Quote:
"It had come to be accepted that the pigs, who were manifestly cleverer than the other animals, should decide all questions of farm policy, though their decisions had to be ratified by a majority vote. This arrangement would have worked well enough if it had not been for the disputes between Snowball and Napolean. These two disagreed at every point where disagreement was possible."
- More than mirroring one particular country, Orwell has shown the transition of a new free state (in this case, free from slavery) from a communist implementation to a totalitarian regime. Two of the seven commandments formed initially are the ideal beliefs of humans, but not always followed by us:
- No animal shall kill any other animal
- All animals are equal
- What makes the climax appalling is the level of greed that caused the state of affairs and yet the climax is convincing for we now know that it is greed that causes one to do the worst. There could be a Napolean within each of us. Be on the lookout within you and around you.
- Boxer is a character that can come across as someone who cannot exist in today's world. Surprisingly, there was a real-life model in the Soviet Union whose hard work and loyalty was made example of and therefore, could have served as an inspiration for this character. In my case, as I noticed people around me on the days that followed after completing the book (finished the second half in a couple of hours), I could see those to whom you could attribute the virtue of unconditional loyalty and I can only wish and hope that one's loyalty does not lead to his/her end.
Quote:
"He repeated a number of times, "Tactics, comrades, tactics!" skipping round and whisking his tail with a merry laugh. The animals were not certain what the word meant, but Squealer spoke so persuasively, and the three dogs who happened to be with him growled so threateningly, that they accepted his explanation without further questions"
This book drove me into contemplation for days. Hoping that the review enables you to pick up the book and read. If you have read it, let me know what you think of this review, in comments.
