INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL FARM Buzan, Ballard, Novak, McGlothlin, Millhouse
Where We ve Been
Where We ve Been
GOVERNMENT, is the idea that a system can regulate, organize, rule, or control a community or group of people. Theories, ideas, and types of government have always been topical in literature. We see early examples in Ancient Greece and the Christian Bible. Writers continue to analyze and critique examples of government today.
Remember this? The term Literary Movement simply refers to a period of time in which many authors followed similar patterns, ideas, impetuses, or approaches. Literary movements are frequently shaped by contemporary events and influences upon the authors whose names became associated with that particular movement. The actual naming of a "literary movement" as such, does not often occur until years later, when readers look back and recognize the similarities and patterns among several authors.
Remember this The term Literary Movement simply refers to a period of time in which many authors followed similar patterns, ideas, impetuses, or approaches. Literary movements are frequently shaped by contemporary events and influences upon the authors whose names became associated with that particular movement. The actual naming of a "literary movement" as such, does not often occur until years later, when readers look back and recognize the similarities and patterns among several authors.
Remember this The term Literary Movement simply refers to a period of time in which many authors followed similar patterns, ideas, impetuses, or approaches. Literary movements are frequently shaped by contemporary events and influences upon the authors whose names became associated with that particular movement. The actual naming of a "literary movement" as such, does not often occur until years later, when readers look back and recognize the similarities and patterns among several authors.
The 20th Century was the bloodiest, costliest century of warfare in human history. Two world wars, and a large number of major revolutions, along with significant social, political, and economic upheavals made the period from 1901 to 2000 of great importance in a historical and literary sense.
CAPITALISM SOCIALISM COMMUNISM INDIVIDUAL is the most important. COMMUNITY is the most important. GOVERNMENT is the most important. Government is small. Goods belong to the individual. Often, the wealthy are disproportionately wealthy compared to the middle class and poor. People have their own money and can purchase property. Community supported through volunteering. Government is BIG. Major decisions and goods belong to the government for the good of the people. Goal is to distribute wealth equally. People have a right to housing and food. Community supported through government-supported organizations. Government is HUGE. Government owns and decides prices, production, and distribution. People do not own property. People use vouchers, not cash. People are entirely equal in status. Community services determined by government.
Animal Farm, by George Orwell The book Animal Farm was written by George Orwell in 1946, at the conclusion of World War II. The book is an allegory for The Russian Revolution. Orwell was concerned with social injustice and the mistreatment of the lower classes. He was particularly interested in the effects of totalitarianism on ordinary people and in the ability of political power to corrupt good people.
Remember the chaos in Persepolis? Similar chaos occurred in Russia.
The Russian Revolution In the early 1900 s, the Russian people were dying of poverty, starvation, disease, and overwork. In 1917, the Czar was toppled by Vladimir Lenin, who established the U.S.S.R., which became the world s first communist state. In 1924, Lenin died. Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin battled for power. Stalin, a Totalitarian ruler, was in power for 30 years. The government controlled the flow of information to maintain power.
Russian Working Class Pre-Revolution Worked at least 10 hours a day, six days a week. Were serfs (servants) to the upper class land owners; they worked the land but did not own it. After 1861 they were no longer serfs, but very few peasants actually became land owners.
Karl Marx Wrote The Communist Manifesto. Believed in eliminating class. Believed it was necessary for the working class to take control and divide the goods equally. Vladimir Lenin Follower of Karl Marx. Protested against the Tsar. Demanded that the people control the state. Established Russia as the first Socialist county.
Leon Trotsky Early proponent of the communist party. Opposed Stalin. Believed in a communist government run by the people. Wanted to spread communism to other countries. Joseph Stalin Soviet leader from 1924-1953. Felt that some groups were more equal than others. Exercised his power through military and government propaganda.
Russian Working Class Post-Revolution Instead of Russian people being given their own land, they were put on collective farms. Through propaganda, many people were encouraged to blindly follow what the government told them. Some knew what was going on, but they chose to do nothing about it.
What is Totalitarianism?
Why did Orwell write an allegory? By using animal characters, instead of real-life figures, Orwell s cautionary message about the dangers of corrupt government becomes clear and universal for readers of all backgrounds.