Power Corrupts
In George Orwell's classic novel Animal Farm he deals with issues relating to the Russian Revolution, totalitarianism and dictatorship. He presents a society of animals who rebel against mankind and in turn the animals gain their own freedom and rights. However, the power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball along with the different levels of hierarchy between the animals causes problems and difficulties throughout the farm. As Napoleon and the pigs gain more power, Orwell shows how power can lead to corruption. Throughout the novel, Orwell expresses the theme power corrupts through the character Napoleon who abuses the right of power by being selfish, dishonest, and unconcerned of life.
As the animals begin to adapt to their society free from the control of humans, Napoleon manages to manipulate the puppies he has taken from their mothers in order to selfishly gain more power. In a passage from the novel the narrator states, "...they
English: Grave of Eric Arthur Blair (George Orwell...
Orwell's former home at 77 Parliament Hill, Hampst...
English: George Orwell in Hampstead On the corner ...were huge dogs, and fierce looking as wolves. They kept close to Napoleon." (58). Through the way Napoleon trains the puppies to become ferocious guards oh his behalf and by training the dogs to be 'fierce- looking" and keeping them close, Orwell shows how power corrupts Napoleon through his selfish desire to overthrow Snowball. Napoleon's selfishness is thoroughly proven because it clearly indicates how he takes advantage of the wonderful advantages and situations coming his way.
Napoleon's dishonesty is shown throughout the novel in various situations. He is using the other animals such as Snowball as scapegoats in order for his success in the future as their overcomer and leader. In a passage, when the windmill was destroyed, Napoleon tells animals that it is all Snowballs fault. He states, " Comrades... do you know who is responsible for this? Do you know the enemy who...