Describe at least one memorable idea in the text

Power and corruption is one of the memorable ideas in animal farm. Power is memorable because we see a reoccuring theme of it. For example; when the animals kick Mr Jones off the farm and then take all control of the farm. The novel shows multiple types of power.

The theme of power and corruption in animal farm is very important as the pigs were the brains of the farm. The animals let the pigs lead the farm, thereby placing them into a position of power. This power corrupted them as they became more and more greedy and their outlook became more and more corrupt. Also, the pig’s transgressions of the rules of animalism worsen as they grow in power. In chapter 2, when the 7 commandments were first written down, there was already a slight corruption in the pigs. The pigs steal the milk and apples and explain it with the lie that these foods have nutrients essential to pigs. This certain thing stands out because it’s really out there and is sort of hard to forget.

An obvious example of this would be Stalin or Hitler. They both claimed to be helping their countries to break off from oppression but themselves became the oppressors. Orwell wants to show that if a leader is always allowed to do what they want, or if he’s not kept in check, the leader will start to get corrupted This is a vicious cycle as the more power the leaders amass, the more corrupt they become. The more corrupt they become, the more power they amass. This sub-theme is treated carefully and was crafted well by George Orwell as after all, it is one of the most important ideas Orwell is trying to convey in the novel. 

The 7 commandments were created by Orwell so that the reader would be able to clearly see the gradual corruption in the pigs as they got more powerful. Orwell also set up many more incidents in the novel where the reader would be able to catch a glimpse of the pigs corruption. One example of this incident is when the pigs steal the milk and apples. And  another incident was in the end scene where there was no way the animals could tell which was pig and which was human. Also, he uses irony to sarcasm in this theme, as can be seen from the milk and apples incident and also the incident where Squealer takes the sheep somewhere to “re-educate” them when he was in fact brainwashing them into learning the new.

In conclusion, Power can have the persuasive action in undoing the moral ethics of one’s character. This can be seen throughout history, such as World War II and proven by the actions of Napoleon in the allegory, Animal Farm, by George Orwell. As Lord Acton said “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In history what was viewed as a villain or wrong doer is never the same as the perception. A leader does not begin wanting to do wrong, they start with the best intentions, but power is a tricky thing, showcased in Animal Farm as Utopian ideals but with failed practices.