SOURCE: Woodhouse, C. M. “Animal Farm.” Times Literary Supplement (6 August 1954): xxx-xxxi.

In the following essay, Woodhouse discusses Animal Farm as a fairy tale.

In the sixth volume of The Second World War, Sir Winston Churchill has described the scene at Potsdam in July, 1945, when from a little distance he watched President Truman tell Marshal Stalin of the great event that was to take place in the following month; the latest triumph of western genius, the masterpiece that was destined so profoundly to affect the history of the world. The Marshal showed polite interest, the mildest of curiosity that barely rose above the level of indifference, and no comprehension whatever. Sir Winston was sure, he tells us,

that he had no idea of the significance of what he was being told. … If he had had the slightest idea of the revolution in world affairs which was in progress his...