Posted by pete on December 31, 2001 at 13:57:53:
In Reply to: animal farm posted by br on December 31, 2001 at 02:33:05:
Orwell uses the concept of 'Animalism' to signify the generic view of socialism originally expounded by Karl Marx (old Major). Orwell always agreed and perhaps advocated communism/socialism, but was critical of Marx because he didn't take into account the greed and jealousy which would eventually undermine the ideology. He used Napoleon and the other pigs to show how this was possible, and inevitably we eventually see them becoming the dominant authority on the farm.
Originally the intention of the animals was to stage a coup and overthrow the humans (Mr Jones, who symbolised the Tsars of Russia) so that the animals could take power. Consequently, the pigs adapt all of the corruptive ways of Mr Jones mistreatment of the animals and we see them replace him proving that communism is not equality, but just another form of inequality. We learn that Animalism, (communism/Marxism) has its faults and inaccuracies, but Orwell's use of it is to put forth his own political and social doctrine based on remedying those faults.