"By themes, we refer to the ideas which the author is trying to give us. We can assume that most authors do not write just for fun, but that there is some message or philosophy that they would like us to learn."
"An author likes to think that his readers are different (and hopefully better), because they have read his book."
"Often the ideas are ones which the author believes in passionately."
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"This is certainly the case with George Orwell, who was quite prepared to fight and risk his life for what he believed in."
"*See Notes on Orwell's life"
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"The overall theme of 'Animal Farm' is very clear - it is the criticism of totalitarianism, especially with regards to Russia."
"However we may isolate several elements of this overall theme, as in the following list:"
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"*1. Power corrupts"
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"*2. Propaganda"
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"*3. The abuse of socialism"
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"*4. The dangers of revolution"
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"*1. Power corrupts"
"There is a saying that 'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely', and this is certainly shown to be true in 'Animal Farm'."
"There is no doubt that all the animals took part in the revolution with the genuine thought of bringing about Major's noble ideals."
"However, immediately after the rebellion, the feeling of power is felt by the pigs, who are more natural leaders than the other animals."
"Even Snowball, who seems to be more high-minded than the rest, gives in to the temptation of the milk and apples."
"Orwell seems to hint that Snowball would also have developed into a tyrant."
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"The pigs' degeneration is rapid, and once they realise what power they have, they soon grow to love it."
"Orwell's purpose is clear; it is very dangerous to place too much power in the hands of individuals."
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"*2. Propaganda"
"The topic of Propaganda is dealt with elsewhere in these notes:"
"*See How to Write Essays in the Exam Questions Menu"
"Orwell obviously wanted people to be on their guard against this insidious danger."
6
"*The abuse of socialism"
"Orwell was a socialist. He believed in the theory that wealth should be more evenly distributed, to benefit the poor rather than remaining forever in the hands of the rich."
"What he was criticising in 'Animal Farm' was not the socialist ideals of the animals. From his description of the farm immediately after the rebellion, we can see that the animals were happier and better off."
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"What really upset Orwell was when those ideals were perverted and corrupted by those who gained power under such a system."
"He is savagely critical of those countries who claim to be socialist, when in reality they are totalitarian states."
7
"*The Dangers of Revolution"
"This is related to the previous theme. Orwell shows that revolution which destroys an unfair and tyrannical government may not produce anything better to take its place."
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"In the case of Animal Farm, the animals are indeed better off once they have got rid of Jones. However, ironically, he is replaced as their master by Napoleon and the other pigs."
"Under this new leadership the animals are ultimately no better off than they were before, and may even be worse off."
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"Orwell's message is again quite clear; that, human nature being what it is, a popular revolution may well backfire on those who support it, breeding new tyrants to replace the old."
