Animal Farm Quote Analysis

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For centuries, revolutions have defined the progression of human existence. Daniel Berrigan reflects, “A revolution is interesting insofar as it avoids like the plague the plague it promised to heal.” By this, Berrigan means that although revolutions are worked for, the goal is often not obtained. Animal Farm, by George Orwell, embodies this quote through the farm’s failure to eliminate characteristically human foibles, continuous oppression of the animals, and alterations of the seven commandments which characterize the initial revolution. First, throughout the novella the animals fail to eliminate the foibles of humanity. At the novel’s opening, Old Major preaches that the origin of all evil lies in the foibles of human rule. However, as …show more content…
For example, the pig’s alter the sixth commandment in order to justify killing animals aligned with Snowball’s alleged efforts against the farm. Old Major declares that under human tyranny, “no animal escapes the cruel knife in the end” (Orwell 9). Ironically, under pig rule the animals face a similar oppression, because the pigs slaughter any animals associated with the enemy. In addition, the pigs alter the commandments gradually to adopt unruly human habits. While an association to humanity is initially expressed as negative, the pigs eventually sleep indoors, eat at a table, walk, and wear clothes. These transformations are gradual and subtle, yet they amount to a striking resemblance to the humanity. Another commandment is changed to allow the pigs to drink alcohol. In the beginning, Mr. Jones’ constant state of drunkenness is one of the largest complaints characterizing the need for revolution. This habit embodies the lack of care Mr. Jones carries for his farm and amounts to his forgetfulness to feed and care for his animals. Once the pigs discover the alcohol, they remain determined to obtain it through selling Boxer, raising the demands of the hens, and engaging in trade with humans. Thus, the pigs eventually divert completely from their original avoidance of