Theme Of Corruption In Animal Farm

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True or False: Power is the root of corruption Some say if power is in good hands it will be used wisely while others argue that power changes everyone no matter who they are. Authors, William Golding and George Orwell describe how power can corrupt through the use of allegory. In Animal Farm, Orwell uses allegory to condemn Joseph Stalin’s rule by making it similar to the way Napoleon ruled Animal Farm. Also, in The Lord Of The Flies, Golding uses allegory to chastise totalitarian government by giving the character Jack the traits of dictators. Through the use of allegory, Orwell and Golding write about how absolute power can corrupt anyone. In order to chastise corrupted leaders in our society, Orwell and Golding use allegory to convey …show more content…
Jack represents totalitarian government that are corrupted by the hunger for more power. For example, like Adolf Hitler, Jack roused to power when the boys started to lose respect for Ralph, he seized power through the use of propaganda, promising them fun, hunting and food. The author states, “Jack ignored him, [Ralph] lifted his spear and began to shout. ‘Listen, all of you. Me and my hunters, we’re living along the beach by a flat rock. We hunt and feast and have fun. If you want to join my tribe come and see us…’”(Golding 140). Just like Jack, Hitler promised the Russians a better economy and a better life. Also like Hitler who presented the Germans with a scapegoat, the Jews, Jack presented his followers with a scapegoat, Ralph. In addition, Jack’s obsession for more power lead to his corruption, making him more savagery. Orwell says, “Viciously, with full intention, he hurled his spear at Ralph. The point tore the skin and flesh over Ralph’s ribs, then sheared off and fell in the water”(Golding 181). The author uses this scene to show how absolute power corrupted Jack absolutely, just like totalitarian government that become so blinded by power, making them do questionable things. Unfortunately, Jack's corruption lead to Simon and Piggy getting killed, Simon and Piggy's death represent all the innocent lives that are lost as a result of corrupted totalitarian government.. Golding chose to use allegory to make the further reader understand how dictators rise to power and their affect their
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