'How does Orwell present the theme of equality in Animal Farm?'

The Essay

'No reform or revolution has ever brought humans one millimeter nearer to equality'- G Orwell

In his political diatribe, Orwell presents equality as an unachievable ideal that is used as a bargaining tool to subdue the masses and cautions against those who promise it, particularly the USSR. He does so through the employment of hyperbolic statements, pre-established hierarchies and the critique of Stalin's pompous pageants.

As Old Major lays foundations of animalism before his crowd, Orwell exposes the self-conflicting nature of someone dictating the terms of equality and controlling its meaning. During his speech, Old Major declares 'that all animals are equal'. Through his use of hyperbolic language, Orwell juxtaposes the promise of an egalitarian utopia, with the seating of the very crowd who listened to it. Without being forced or coerced, the animals have naturally sat in order of social status and the most influential and important, being rewarded the best view. Such contrast between the echelons of animals and the supposed axiom that all those listening are equal, immediately undermines Old Major’s message. Orwell wishes to highlight that equality is impossible, implying that all those who promise it are false and untruthful in their supposed statements. He urges caution within his readers when they come across those, such as the USSR, who promised true equality- for the ideal can never humanely be achieved.

Once the animals oust their tyrannical master, Orwell uses their behaviors to demonstrate how new egalitarian societies are hypocritical, for they are often built on pre-established hierarchies. The work of running the farms important operations 'fell naturally upon the pigs'. The employment of the adverb 'naturally' connotes to the doubtful reader, that the leadership of the farm has been based upon stereotypes and social statuses from the previous society. Rather than proving their worth or electing a representational body, that would imply a fair equality, the pigs have manipulated their hierarchical standing to yield them power. Orwell purposefully parallels this to the self-election of Stalin and his prominent supporters, to highlight the glaring inequality of such a process. Additionally, this predisposed leadership and rank conflicts with the belief of true equality, and proves to the reader that animalism is perhaps doomed to fail. Orwell could also be implying that the early Soviet Union too was doomed to falter in its quest for an equal society.

When Napoleon finally cements himself as the farm's terrifying ruler, Orwell uses his pompous entrance to directly critique the bourgeois themes expressed in Stalin's very own self-image. After a reclusive period, Napoleon decides to ,emerge in a ceremonial manner. By applying the intransitive verb 'emerge', Orwell creates the impression that Napoleon’s walk is pompous and exaggerated, causing the other animals to revere him further. Through the further deepening of the class divide between the ruling pigs and the plightful animals, Napoleon exposes his own selfish attitudes. Orwell wishes his readers to realize that the incessant parade and pageant-like convoys held by Stalin don’t celebrate communism and it's ideology of equality for all, but really further portray Stalin as a higher and more important power. He uses Napoleon's ceremonial strut, to directly critique Stalin's exploitation of his image in the eye of the indoctrinated public- as it betrays the very foundations of impartiality that communism was founded on.

In conclusion, Orwell presents equality as an ideal that is used as a political bargaining tool to yield further power and in doing so, critiques the tyrannical reign of Stalin over the USSR.

Managed to write and plan this within 32 minutes. Thank you and keep up with the great videos sir!

Leo

My Comments

Hi Leo,

This is an odd essay. It is grade 9+ on context, but only the first 3 paragraphs are grade 9 quality about the events of the novel. There are far too few quotes and references to the obvious inequalities in the novel.

Limiting your interpretation of the novel to a critique of the USSR and Stalin probably also stops you thinking deeply enough about what he has to say about human nature and the vulnerability of democracy.

Napoleon does a lot worse than parading in pageants - you need to deal with the meat of the text! The major inequalities.

It is also only 565 words, which is more typical of a grade 6, if you are studying AQA. With AQA you have 45 minutes, so I am certain you could easily get full marks in the real thing.

On balance, I’d give it a grade 8, 24 marks.

Let’s see what Tilf.io gives it

'No reform or revolution has ever brought humans one millimeter nearer to equality'- G Orwell

This introduction sets the stage well by referencing Orwell's own words and establishing the theme of equality as a central issue in 'Animal Farm'.

Consider elaborating on how Orwell's broader political views and experiences inform his presentation of equality in the novel.

In his political diatribe, Orwell presents equality as an unachievable ideal that is used as a bargaining tool to subdue the masses and cautions against those who promise it, particularly the USSR. He does so through the employment of hyperbolic statements, pre-established hierarchies and the critique of Stalin's pompous pageants.

You provide a strong analysis of Old Major's speech and its inherent contradictions.

To enhance your response, consider discussing how the animals' acceptance of the hierarchy reflects their internalization of inequality and how this foreshadows the eventual corruption of Animalism.

As Old Major lays foundations of animalism before his crowd, Orwell exposes the self-conflicting nature of someone dictating the terms of equality and controlling its meaning. During his speech, Old Major declares 'that all animals are equal'. Through his use of hyperbolic language, Orwell juxtaposes the promise of an egalitarian utopia, with the seating of the very crowd who listened to it. Without being forced or coerced, the animals have naturally sat in order of social status and the most influential and important, being rewarded the best view. Such contrast between the echelons of animals and the supposed axiom that all those listening are equal, immediately undermines Old Major’s message. Orwell wishes to highlight that equality is impossible, implying that all those who promise it are false and untruthful in their supposed statements. He urges caution within his readers when they come across those, such as the USSR, who promised true equality- for the ideal can never humanely be achieved.

Your examination of the pigs' assumption of leadership roles is insightful.

It would be beneficial to further explore the irony of the pigs' actions in the context of Animalism's original principles and how this mirrors the historical events Orwell satirizes.

Once the animals oust their tyrannical master, Orwell uses their behaviors to demonstrate how new egalitarian societies are hypocritical, for they are often built on pre-established hierarchies. The work of running the farms important operations 'fell naturally upon the pigs'. The employment of the adverb 'naturally' connotes to the doubtful reader, that the leadership of the farm has been based upon stereotypes and social statuses from the previous society. Rather than proving their worth or electing a representational body, that would imply a fair equality, the pigs have manipulated their hierarchical standing to yield them power. Orwell purposefully parallels this to the self-election of Stalin and his prominent supporters, to highlight the glaring inequality of such a process. Additionally, this predisposed leadership and rank conflicts with the belief of true equality, and proves to the reader that animalism is perhaps doomed to fail. Orwell could also be implying that the early Soviet Union too was doomed to falter in its quest for an equal society.

The critique of Napoleon's leadership and its parallels to Stalin's regime is well articulated.

You could strengthen your argument by discussing how the other animals' reactions to Napoleon's display of power contribute to the theme of equality, or lack thereof.

When Napoleon finally cements himself as the farm's terrifying ruler, Orwell uses his pompous entrance to directly critique the bourgeois themes expressed in Stalin's very own self-image. After a reclusive period, Napoleon decides to ,emerge in a ceremonial manner. By applying the intransitive verb 'emerge', Orwell creates the impression that Napoleon’s walk is pompous and exaggerated, causing the other animals to revere him further. Through the further deepening of the class divide between the ruling pigs and the plightful animals, Napoleon exposes his own selfish attitudes. Orwell wishes his readers to realize that the incessant parade and pageant-like convoys held by Stalin don’t celebrate communism and it's ideology of equality for all, but really further portray Stalin as a higher and more important power. He uses Napoleon's ceremonial strut, to directly critique Stalin's exploitation of his image in the eye of the indoctrinated public- as it betrays the very foundations of impartiality that communism was founded on.

In conclusion, Orwell presents equality as an ideal that is used as a political bargaining tool to yield further power and in doing so, critiques the tyrannical reign of Stalin over the USSR.

Your conclusion effectively summarizes the main points of your essay.

Consider adding a final thought on the broader implications of Orwell's critique of equality, perhaps by reflecting on the relevance of his message in contemporary society.

Mark: 23 - 26 (this is a beta feature and mark may not be very accurate)

Overall feedback: The essay presents a well-considered analysis of the theme of equality in 'Animal Farm', effectively using textual evidence to support the argument. The student demonstrates a clear understanding of Orwell's critique of the Soviet Union and the inherent contradictions within the concept of equality as presented in the novel.

What went well: The use of textual references is apt and supports the interpretations well. The analysis of the characters and events in relation to the theme of equality is thoughtful and shows a developed understanding of the text.

Even better if: To reach the highest levels, consider incorporating more nuanced discussion of the text's broader implications and Orwell's political commentary. Additionally, exploring the reactions of the other animals and their role in the perpetuation of inequality could add depth to the analysis.

My Comments

Tilf.io is getting more and more accurate! I love the mark and the final Even Better If.