Understanding Orwell’s Warning in Animal Farm

In the 20th Century tyrannies rose up across the world, Animal Farm is the warning we need to stop history repeating

Animal Farm tells the story of revolution. Animals rising up against Mr Jones, their farmer, to free themselves from hardship and realise a life of comfort. The revolution is a success and it seems that a new age is dawning. Now, it is up to the animals to ensure their dreams come to life.

The Creation of a Single Enemy

There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in a single word — Man. Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever.

Tyrannies rely on the creation of a single enemy. A group that can be used to explain all the ill in the world. If this group disappears then all problems would too. Scapegoating was rampant in the 21st century. Whether it was the Nazis and the Jews or the Soviets and the Bourgeoise it followed the same pattern. The challenges that society faced could be laid at the feet of one group. The solution? Why, the solution is simple. Get rid of the group and heal society.

In a very little while the animals had destroyed everything…