Animal Farm Revisited Examining Orwell's Allegory in Modern Times
George Orwell's “Animal Farm” is a timeless classic.
Written in 1945.
This political allegory uses a group of farm animals to satirize the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
In modern times, the novel's themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked authority still ring true, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and social issues.
2. Information
Name : Bavaliya Rajdeep A.
Roll No. : 12
Enrollment No. : 3176205820210012
Sem. : 4 (B.A.)
Paper Name : A Study of Novel and Short Stories - 2
Paper No. : 405
Paper Code : 24247
Topic : Animal Farm Revisited : Examining Orwell's Allegory in
Modern Times
Submitted To : M.R.R. Monapara Arts College, SPEI, Bhavnagar,
Department of English.
E-mail : rajdeepbavaliya2@gmail.com
3. Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Political Corruption
• Censorship and Manipulation of Media
• Rise of Authoritarianism
• Caste-based Discrimination
• Income Inequality
• Dangers of Ignoring Warning Signs
• Conclusion
• Works Cited
4. Introduction
• George Orwell's “Animal Farm” is a
timeless classic.
• Written in 1945.
• This political allegory uses a group
of farm animals to satirize the
events leading up to the Russian
Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
• In modern times, the novel's
themes of power, corruption, and
the dangers of unchecked authority
still ring true, particularly in the
context of contemporary politics
and social issues.
5. Political Corruption
• “Animal Farm” shows how
power can corrupt
individuals and lead to
corruption in politics.
• Many politicians engage in
corrupt practices such as
accepting bribes and
engaging in cronyism.
• For example, corruption in
the Brazilian government and
its impact on the Amazon
rainforest.
• 2010 Cmmonwealth Games
scam.
6. Censorship and Manipulation of Media
• In “Animal Farm”, the pigs use
propaganda and censorship to
control the narrative and maintain
their power.
• In North Korea, the government
controls all media outlets, and
acces to the internet is strictly
regulated.
• In India, there have been concerns
about the increasing censorship
and control over the media.
• India ranked 150th in the World
Press Freedom Index and North
Korea ranked at the last 180th.
7. Rise of Authoritarianism
• The novel also shows how
authoritarianism can arise when
leaders are not held accountable.
• In India, there are growing concerns
about the rise of authoritarianism,
especially in the wake of the recent
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
• As many as 83 persons were killed in
protest and riots between December
2019 and March 2020 in Assam, Uttar
Prades, Karnataka, Meghalaya and
Delhi after the CAA was passed.
8. Caste-based Discrimination
• In “Animal Farm”, the pigs establish
themselves as a ruling class, while the
other animals are treated as inferior.
• This mirrors the caste-based discrimination
that still exists in India, despite efforts to
eliminate it.
• For instance, Dalits (formerly
known as “untouchable ”) recently
protested against the dilution of
the SC/ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act demonstrate the
ongoing struggle against
discrimination.
9. Income Inequality
• The pigs hoard resources and live a
life of luxury, while the other
animals struggle to survive.
• According to a 2019 report by
Oxfam, the world's 26 richest people
hold as much wealth as the poorest
50% of the global population.
• Oxfam India's report on inequality in
India finds that just 5% of Indians
own more than 60% of the country's
wealth, while the bottom 50% of the
population possess only 3% of the
wealth.
10. Dangers of Ignoring Warning Signs
• Dangers of ignoring warning signs
and failing to act when action is
needed.
• The animals see the pigs becoming
more corrupt and oppressive, but
they do not take action until it is
too late.
• Similarly, some argue that we are
already seeing the impacts of
climate change and that urgent
action is needed to mitigate its
worst effects.
• If we fail to act now, we may find
ourselves in a situation where it is
too late to prevent catastrophic
changes to the Earth's climate
system.
11. Conclusion
George Orwell's “Animal Farm” remains relevant in today's world,
and there are several examples in modern times that illustrate the
book's themes.
With its vivid characters and biting commentary on human nature,
“Animal Farm” remains a must-read for anyone interested in
understanding the complex dynamics of power and governance.
The ongoing struggles for democracy, equality, and justice require
constant vigilance and action to prevent a dystopian future.
12. Works Cited
“Animal Farm George Orwell.” Cliffs Notes. 2023.
https//www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/a/animal-farm/book-summary.
ChatGPT. “Conversation with ChatGPT.” Chat OpenAi. 2023.
Desouza, Rodrigo, Telles. “Amazonia is Burning: Corruption is One of the Reasons.”
The Global Anticorruption Blog. 01 November 2019.
https//globalanticorruptionblog.com/2019/11/01/amazonia-is-burning-
corruption-is-one-of-the-reasons/.
“In India, 5% Own More than 60% of Country's Wealth: Oxfam Report.” The Indian
Express. 07 April 2023.
https//indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/indias-richest-1-own-more-
than-40-of-total-wealth-oxfam-8384156/.
“Richest 1% Bag Nearly Twice as Much Wealth as the Rest of the World Put
Together Over the Past Two Years.” Oxfam. 16 January 2023.
https//www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/richest-1-bag-nearly-twice-much-
wealth-rest-world-put-together-over-past-two-years.
13. Works Cited
Samaddar, Deb, P. “The Commonwealth Scam: Political Games.” Insider by
Finology. 19 August 2022.
https://insider.finology.in/juicy-scams/commonwealth-games-scam.
Singh, Vijaita. “Centre Seeks Six More Months to Frame Citizenship Amendment
Act Rules.” The Hindu. 07 January 2023.
https//www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-seeks-another-
extension-of-six-months-to-frame-caa-rules/article66350317.ece.
“World Press Freedom Index 2022 List: Norway Tops the Index, India Plummeted
to the 150th Position.” Jagran Josh. 04 May 2022.
https//www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/amp/world-press-freedom-
index-2022-norway-tops-the-index-india-ranked-at-150th-position-1651663899-
1.