Power In Animal Farm

Words: 1442
Pages: 6

Power Buffet
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment”. Leaders in the past and present have gained authority through a number of means. In the satirical novel Animal Farm by George Orwell, the actions of the characters illustrate how fear and intimidation are used to obtain ultimate power. This fright is created by violence, lies, and control. The leaders in Animal Farm create authority using corrupt, selfish means. The animals on the farm suffer, but dare not speak out. However, authority does not always need to be established on the basis of anxiety.
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The use of force, limitations, and deception produce this fear. The pigs use deception to create an environment of foreboding. Squealer claims that Jones will come back if the animals do not follow orders. Old Major instills fear in the animals by telling them that they will be killed by the humans. Napoleon also uses lies about Snowball to get the animals to trust him. Restriction is also used by the hogs, to gain control. Napoleon restricts their access to communication with humans, work hours, and food rations. The one in charge also uses physical harm as a way of generating panic. The guard dogs, whips, and public executions are all used to gain rule. In conclusion, the best leader is one who does not use fear as means to gain power. The reason that the citizens of Animal Farm were miserable is because the pigs and Jones used apprehension as a way of control. These type of leaders are manipulative and do not have a good relationship with those beneath them. The degrade of Animal Farm is attributed to the way of leading. This resembles many power hungry, bloodthirsty leaders such as Stalin, Hitler, or Mao Zedong whose reign of terror led to a corrupted nation. Righteous leaders do not use manipulative means to lead. The ideal leader does not use physical harm, restriction, or duplicity. Peaceful leaders that gain the trust of the citizens have the best rule over their