Animal Farm

Animal Farm


By: George Orwell
Reviewed by: Teralyn, 15
Rating: Really Like It

I read this book for school in the 7th or 8th grade, and I really liked it. It was interesting and it was straighforward, even though it used satire to get its point across. I wasn't looking forward to reading it, because I didn't read things that weren't fatasy-fiction or crime & mystery novels. We learned about Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and a few other men who had a great impact on what went on in those times. The book was placed in those times, but the morals and points that it made still ring true today.

The entire book is really a metaphor of sorts. Its political satire, after all. On the 'Animal Farm', the animals could speak and understand English. They do not like men, as in humanty in general, and in the beginning of the book the lead animal (Major, a boar) even goes so far as to refer to them as parasites. In this meeting, he also teaches the other animals a song entitled "The Beasts of England".

When Major passes, two of the younger pigs take their reign of command. Turning all that he has taught them, animals leading animals and the likes, into a philosophy. And they created the "Seven Commandments of Animalism".

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

The most notable are numbers 3 - 7. Those most closely relate to those of humans. They are against humans, so they shall not dress, or drink, or kill, or even sleep on a man-made bed. And finally, all are created equal. Just like our amendments say.

But later in the book, these rules are edited by the newly appointed, and corrupted, leaders. These rules are changed to suit them, so they may be more human, without breaing accused of breaking the laws.

No animal shall sleep in a bed [with sheets].
No animal shall drink alcohol [to excess].
No animal shall kill any other animal [without cause].

This book is very interesting, and I think reading it gave me a better understanding of the power of words, and the troubles of having power. As Napolean and Squealer (the corrupted leaders) show, absolute power changes a man- Or animal.


Recommended to: 12 +, Political Enthusiasts, Fans of Realistic Fiction, Fans of Social Commentary