Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell
Young Adult Classics Novel
ISBN 978-0-451-52634-2
112 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: The animals kick out the farmer and take over the farm. Now they are governing themselves and that is making things worse.

Plot Summary: In a world where animals talk to each other, this story takes place on a farm. The old boar, Old Major, gathers all his fellow animals to discuss revolution against the farmer. Old Major dies three days later; the revolution is now led by three younger pigs named Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, and they help run the farmer off the land, making it their own and renamed Animal Farm. At first, it prospers under the animals' control. Snowball teaches the young animals how to read, while Napoleon mentors a group of puppies. Mr. Jones comes back later to reclaim his farm, but the animals fight him off again. However, within time, a power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball emerge. Snowball is banished from the farm and Napoleon declares that all decisions will be made by the pigs for the good of all animals. Anyone that opposes Napoleon's rule will be killed by his attack dogs. Interestingly enough, Napoleon starts to act like a human. He sleeps in a bed and drinks whiskey. Will these animals also evolve into acting like humans or will a new figure come and govern them?

Critical Evaluation: Orwell uses a large amount of symbolism and satire in this novel based on the Communist take over of Russia. It is from the western point of view of Communism and at the time, it was a big deal; however Communism is no longer viewed as a major global threat. These animals all act, look, and do the same. Many also happen to be pigs, which represents greed. It's also quite ironic that their original motives were independence but they really end up getting a dictatorship in return, which symbolizes their being naive. Still, with all the subject matter and symbolism inside, this is a quick read with short chapters, simple wording that is both descriptive and to the point, this is perfect for any high school English class. However, it can be graphic at times, such as the attacking dogs. In the end though, it sends a message that a perfect utopia is very tough, almost impossible to attain due to greed in its leaders, indifference and ignorance in its people, and really the fact that its impossible for everyone to agree on the same things.

Author: George Orwell was born in 1903 and died in 1950. His common traits in his works are an awareness in social injustice and a belief in democracy. He is best known for his work, 1984, and his novella, Animal Farm. Those two books have actually sold more copies than any 20th century author.

Orwell was also a world traveler of sorts. He volunteered on the Republican side of the Spanish civil war, and stayed much of the time in London and Paris. Though he requested that no biographies be written about him after his death, there have been some collections of his works that cover his life.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Communism
2) Symbolism and satire
3) Leaders
4) Revolution
5) Failed utopia

Challenge Issues: There are some challenge issues present such as the communist symbolism, the greed imagery, and some graphic accounts of violence.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: I have read this book in high school and it dawned on me to read it again.