Student Essay on Animal Farm: The Corrupting Influence of Power

Animal Farm: The Corrupting Influence of Power by George Orwell

Essay

Historian Lord Acton issued epic warnings that political power is the most serious threat to liberty. He stated, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Humanity has suffered because of totalitarian leaders such as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, and Edi Amin. The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is an allegory about the Russian Revolution and the catastrophic reign of Joseph Stalin. In the novel, Napoleon, the pig who represents Stalin, is gradually corrupted by power. Eventually, his absolute power corrupts him absolutely.

One way he became a totalitarian leader was by spreading propaganda. He changes the commandments just so they will benefit his needs. Another way he used propaganda was by blaming all problems they had on Snowball. A final way he used propaganda was by holding meetings and informing the animals that everything was better than Jones's regime.

Another way he became a tyrannical leader was by spreading fear. One way he spread fear was by saying that one day Jones would come back. Another way he spread fear was by saying that he would kill anyone that sides with Snowball. Another way he spread fear was by using the guard dogs to scare the animals into agreeing with him.

One final way Napoleon became a oppressive leader was by eliminating his competition. He eliminated his competition by telling all the animals to revolt on Jones. Another way he eliminated his competition was by telling all the animals that Snowball was a traitor. One last way he eliminated his competition was by killing all animals that didn't agree with his policies.

In conclusion, these are the ways in which all totalitarian leaders use their corrupt power. One person cannot have too much power because soon all that power will go to their heads and they'll take advantage.