
Summary
Animal Farm is one of Orwell's best works, a penetrating dystopian political allegory. A group of animals on a farm successfully carried out a "revolution", drove out their exploitative human owners, and established a...
Highlights
Animal Farm is a dystopian political satire. The author George Orwell alludes to certain political phenomena in human society through the animal uprising and the subsequent changes in rule. The wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from the book are profound, unique, beautiful, wise, or creative. These sentences or paragraphs will be divided into three parts. Part I (sentences 1-7): 1. "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." —— This sentence reveals how power creates inequality in a so-called equal society. 2. "The animals looked at the pigs, looked at the humans, and then looked at the pigs: but they could no longer tell the difference between the two." —— It implies the corruption of power and the blurred boundaries between rulers and the ruled. 3. "Four legs are good, two legs are bad" —— The simple slogan of the animals reflects the original intention of their uprising, but was later distorted by the rulers. 4. "Revolution is to overthrow the oppressors and exploiters. The revolution on Animal Farm is to overthrow mankind, and let the animals control their own destiny." —— It reveals the nature and purpose of the revolution. 5. "Comrade Napoleon is always right." - Shows how power creates a cult of personality and unquestionable authority. 6. "The creatures outside look from pigs to men, from men to pigs, and from pigs to men; but they can no longer tell who is a pig and who is a man." - This sentence is similar to the second sentence, but it emphasizes the similarities between humans and pigs (rulers). 7. "Remember, comrades, your determination must never waver! These battles are only the beginning of our great cause. There will always be sacrifices on the road to revolution. We are our own masters, and as long as we are united, nothing can stop us from moving forward." - A revolutionary call full of passion and determination, but it also implies possible sacrifices and difficulties in the future. Part II (sentences 8-14): 8. "What he (Snowball) is best at is flattery, portraying the dirtiest behavior as the most noble motives." - Reveals the dark side of political manipulation and propaganda. 9. "The animals are convinced that every stone they build will become future happiness and glory." - reflects people's vision of a better future and their belief in hard work. 10. "On Animal Farm, no animal kills other animals. All animals are comrades." - an idealistic declaration at the beginning of the uprising, but later broken by the cruel reality. 11. "Napoleon announced that there will be a flag-raising ceremony every Sunday, followed by the grand execution of two sheep." - satirizes how power maintains its rule through rituals and violence. 12. "There is a whole new light in their (pigs') eyes, a deep, almost human light." - describes the changes in pigs after they gain power, suggesting their humanization. 13. "Work is freedom! There is no freedom more than work!" - satirizes the distortion and exploitation of the concept of "freedom" by power. 14. "After Snowball was driven away, Napoleon declared him a traitor and an enemy, and announced that any animal who supported Snowball would also be considered a traitor and an enemy." - Shows how power consolidates its rule by creating enemies. Part III (sentences 15-20): 15. "The animals once again felt an indescribable fear. They seemed to feel that the great goal they had been striving for was getting farther and farther away from them." - Reflects people's deep concerns about the loss of ideals and the corruption of power. 16. "The pigs began to walk alone, and the other animals kept their distance in awe." - Describes the social isolation and hierarchy caused by power. 17. "Napoleon announced that from now on, Animal Farm will be renamed the 'Animal Republic' and will adopt a green flag with a hoof and a gun on it." - Shows how power manipulates collective memory and identity by changing symbols and signs. 18. "They (the animals) all had silly and happy smiles on their faces, and they were extremely proud to be members of Animal Farm." - This satirizes the blind pride and satisfaction of the people manipulated by power. 19. "The seven commandments have increased to countless, and each one has become more and more vague and difficult to understand." - This reveals how power strengthens its control through complex and vague rules. 20. "The animals outside the window were stunned and could no longer tell the difference between pigs and humans." - This sentence echoes the previous sentences 2 and 6, but it further emphasizes the complete disappearance of species (or class) boundaries caused by power.
About the Author
George Orwell, whose original name was Eric Arthur Blair, was a famous British novelist, journalist and critic.< He was born on June 25, 1903 in Motihari, India, and died on January 21, 1950 in London, England.
Orwell's literary works are widely praised for their unique style and deep insights into society and politics.< He is considered one of the most important British writers of the 20th century.
Personal basic information: George Orwell was born into a British middle-class family.< His father Richard Blair was a government official and his mother Edith Blair was a housewife.
Orwell was the third child in the family and had two older sisters and a younger brother.< His family background and upbringing had a profound impact on his writing.
Education and career background: Orwell attended the famous Eton College, but was unable to continue his studies due to family financial reasons.< After graduation, he joined the Indian Imperial Police, but after spending five years in Burma, he gave up the job and decided to devote himself to literary creation.
After returning to England, Orwell began his varied career, including work as a teacher, bookstore employee, journalist, and critic.
Writing Career: Orwell's writing career began in the 1930s, and his works cover a variety of genres, including novels, essays, and reviews.< Some of his famous works include Down and Out in Paris and London, Homage to Catalonia, and Animal Farm.
His most famous work, Nineteen Eighty-Four, was published in 1949.< This novel makes a profound exploration of totalitarianism and the suppression of personal freedom.
Style and Themes of Works: Orwell's works are known for their clear and concise style and keen insight into social and political issues.< He focuses on themes such as social injustice, totalitarianism, and personal freedom, and reveals the various ills of modern society through satire and allegory.
In Animal Farm, he uses the stories of animals as metaphors for the Soviet Union's communist revolution and makes a profound criticism of the corruption of power.
Personal life: Orwell's personal life was relatively low-key.< He was married to his first wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy, but the two divorced due to incompatibility.
Later, Orwell married Sonia Brownell until his death.< Orwell's health was always poor, and he suffered from tuberculosis in the last few years of his life.
Social influence: George Orwell's works have had a profound impact on society.< His novels "Nineteen Eighty-Four" and "Animal Farm" are considered classics of dystopian literature and have had an important influence on later literary creation.
Many authoritative media and experts have highly praised Orwell's works.< For example, "Time" magazine rated "Nineteen Eighty-Four" as one of the "best novels of the 20th century.
" Quotes and comments: George Orwell is known as "the most outstanding political satirist of the 20th century" (The New York Times), and his works are considered to have strong realism and profound social criticism.
British writer and critic Cyril Connolly once commented on Orwell: "He is one of the most outstanding writers of our time, and his works will always remain in the treasure house of British literature.
" Latest developments: Although George Orwell has passed away for many years, his works still have a wide influence.< In recent years, his novels have been adapted into movies, TV series and stage plays, attracting more young readers.
In addition, research and comments on Orwell are constantly emerging, which further affirms his literary status.