[ European history ] "From Revolution to Tyranny: George Orwell's Animal Farm as a Parody of Human Nature Via the Russian Revolution of 1917"
Introduction "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, published in 1945, is often interpreted as a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union. my analysis will explore how Orwell's novel serves as a parody of these historical events, utilizing direct parallels, symbolic characters, and narrative techniques to critique the corruption and betrayal of revolutionary ideals. This discussion will be grounded in historical context, literary analysis, and Orwell's own political views, drawing on a range of academic sources. Historical Context and Parody The Russian Revolution of 1917 saw the overthrow of the Romanov dynasty and the establishment of a Bolshevik-led government, promising equality and justice for the proletariat. However, the ensuing years revealed a stark divergence from these ideals, as the Soviet Union, under leaders like Joseph Stalin, became a totalitarian state marked by oppression and political purges. Orwell...