Book Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Review: M Ῑbrahim
I do not know the exact reason that
why out of many English books that I start, rarely read completely. In my whole
career of reading books, I have had read only few books till the end that were
written in English language. The book that I will be talking about in lines
below is one of them. I do not usually pen down my insights about the books
that I read but of those books that I enjoy the most - books that interest and
inspire me the most.
The book name is Animal Farm. It is
written by well-known English novelist George Orwell. This book is an
internationally acclaimed book and one of the bestselling novels of all time.
Since its first copy that was published to last copy that is published until
now is gaining more and more fame, name, and praise. It is a simple and short
book of 108 pages. The interesting story and captivating writing style makes
this book a “one sit full read” piece. The phrases that have been used, the way
author has depicted the situations and scenarios is truly entertaining. While
reading, it seems as if you are present there in the Animal farm watching each
and everything live.
As its name suggests, the book is
about Animals living in a farm. The farm is owned by a man called Jones who is
very mean in treating animals. Animals spent very miserable life under
ownership of Jones. Then, before dying an old boar ignites animals for
rebellion summoning that he has seen it in dream and it has been long awaited
wish of Animals living in British county as well. Just after he dies, animals
act upon what he had said to them and rebel. They kick out Jones and his men from
the farm in one sided fight and take control. Change its name to Animal farm
from Manor Farm. New rules and regulations are put forth in service like “Four
Legs good, two legs bad”, “All animals are equal” and few more.
After the animals took charge of farm,
the pigs; cleverest of all take charge as care takers of the farm. They
instruct animals and keep the system of farm going. The first six months are of
calmness and happiness; sense and feeling of being free is serene and
comforting. Each and every decision in the farm is made after two pigs Snowball
and Napoleon “the most genius” have huge and thorough debate on it. However,
the final decision is made after suggestions from others - decision goes as
what majority decides. But good days for all animals except pigs come to an end
when Napoleon kills Snowball for taking control of the farm. From here the game
changes. It turns out as “the wiser the miser” and “the miser the gambler”. Napoleon
rules as King of the Animal Farm. He shuts animals in every sense by raising
false hopes and controls them by imposing unanimous rule of “Might is always
right” duly signified at various places in the story by Boxer, the strongest
Animal of all; a horse. Napoleon does everything to remain in power – spreads
fake love, false illness, magnifies lies, showcase promises, terrorizes,
punishes, kills and what not?
I think, everything that Napoleon does
for remaining in power is true depiction of political system of Pakistan as
well though it has background relating to happenings in the Soviet Union. It
makes readers see the scariest and horrible face of power corruption. It shows
how rulers are blindfolded by the Power and how they hollow and weaken the
foundations of states for sake of power. It is foulest use of power that
creates classes in society. It shows how progression of a state is turned into
a regression when power is being used for personal interests and goodness of
ruling class only. Those in power are considered and treated as elite while
others as lower and lowest. There starts change in laws as wished by the ruling
class such as rules of the farm changed in Animal Farm. For example, the
initial rules that were set after successful liberation from humans were
unanimously changed as “four legs good, two legs bad” to “four legs good, two
legs better, similarly, “All animals are equal” to “all animals equal but some
are more than equal (ruling class)” and of course “No animal shall drink
alcohol” to “No animal shall drink alcohol but To EXCESS”. Not to forget, the
social behavior and etiquettes of different characters that play part in
forming or deforming any society/state is wonderfully explained as well. I bet
you’ll see a mirror image of many of those living around you and acting
likewise as explained in the book.
Besides, all that I explained or got
from book, there is so much to read, explore, judge and analyze in the Book on
basis of your own power and knowledge of realization. As my final opinion, I
think it’s a must read book for all bibliophiles and specially those who are
interested in reading novels - based on political systems, social behavior and
true stories as this book is said to be based on events happened in the Soviet
Union.
