What are the conflicts in Animal Farm?
George Orwell’s allegorical novel, Animal Farm, is a powerful critique of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union. The story revolves around a group of animals that rise up against their oppressive human masters on a farm and establish their own society. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes evident that the animals face numerous conflicts, both internal and external, that threaten the stability and ideals of their utopian society.
One of the primary conflicts in Animal Farm is the struggle for power among the animals. After the revolution, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, emerge as the dominant force. This power struggle is evident in the initial conflict between Snowball and Napoleon over the direction of the farm. Snowball represents the ideals of equality and the original revolution, while Napoleon represents the more pragmatic and authoritarian approach. This conflict escalates as Napoleon becomes increasingly dictatorial, ultimately leading to the execution of Snowball and the suppression of the other animals’ freedoms.
Another significant conflict in Animal Farm is the struggle between the animals and the human world. The humans, who are portrayed as greedy and cruel, repeatedly attempt to regain control of the farm. This external conflict is most vividly illustrated in the Battle of the Cowshed, where the animals are forced to fight against the humans to protect their hard-won freedom. The humans’ eventual return to the farm symbolizes the failure of the animals to create a lasting revolution and the cyclical nature of oppression.
Within the animal society, there is also a conflict between the pigs and the other animals. The pigs, who are portrayed as intelligent and cunning, gradually distance themselves from the other animals and adopt human-like characteristics. This conflict is evident in the pigs’ manipulation of the Seven Commandments, which are used to maintain their power and control over the other animals. The pigs’ betrayal of the original revolution and their adoption of human values represent the corruption and decay of the utopian ideals.
Lastly, there is a conflict between the animals and their own ideals. As the novel progresses, the animals become disillusioned with their new society and realize that they have not truly gained freedom. This conflict is exemplified by the animals’ constant reminder of the old slogan, “Four legs good, two legs bad,” which they initially chant with enthusiasm but eventually come to question. The animals’ internal conflict highlights the difficulty of maintaining revolutionary ideals in the face of power struggles and external threats.
In conclusion, Animal Farm is riddled with conflicts that explore the complexities of revolution, power, and corruption. The novel’s exploration of these conflicts serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idealism and the fragility of utopian societies.
