Student Essay on Hunger for Power and Freedom in "Animal Farm"

Hunger for Power and Freedom in "Animal Farm" by George Orwell

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Essay

Animal Farm written by George Orwell in the war-torn 1940s is a prime example of two very common characteristics of human nature; a hunger for power and freedom. Orwell used personification to show these traits of human nature in people.

Napoleon was already hungry for power and soon after the Rebellion had plans of getting rid of his opponent. For example " Napoleon uttered a high pitched whimper. At this nine enormous dogs came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball" (Orwell 67.) Napoleon had eliminated his only rival and was free to control the farm and run things to his own accord. This has apparently been the goal of Napoleon's for awhile now. He wanted absolute control of the farm for his own selfish wants and needs. In another example " Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals richer themselves-except, of course, the pigs and dogs" (Orwell 129). Again Napoleon is concerned only for himself and manipulates the other animals to get what he wants. Napoleon had a quite rise to power and is keeping the animals that are under his control oppressed and oblivious to stay loyal and abide by what he says. Human nature will not always allow the leaders, who are always necessary, to be fair.

Old Major had the typical dream to be free and was the inspiration for the Revolution. For instance, "Only get rid of man and the produce of our labor would be our own" (Orwell 30). Everyone wants and needs freedom. This sounds like the perfect government if taken at face value. As with every society or government man creates it has it's flaws and weakness in this socialistic government is there is inevitably no freedom. Also, "whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend." (Orwell 31). Old Major wanted only what is best for the animals, but never lives to experience their plan fully in action, he never sees the problems. It was not taken into account that there is always someone out there willing to ruin it for others to get what they want from it. You can fight as hard as you can for your freedom but there will always be somebody egotistical enough to take it all away.

Human nature is not to be trusted.