Leadership and Corruption 2

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Leadership can lead to corruption depending on the true intentions of the leader, which through the novel is suggested through Napoleon and Mr Jones.

It can be seen through the novel, that power can have the persuasive action in undoing the moral ethics of one’s character.

Absolute power can change people and create something new and often a monster.

Question 2

PG 1

Answer 2

After the rebellion, the pigs assert themselves the roles as leaders of the farm.

From the start of the novella it is evident that the pigs are self-serving from the start.

Question 3

PG 1 Quotes

Answer 3

1. Monopolise knowledge – causes the animals to be intellectually inferior, relative to the pigs’ superior knowledge.
2. Stealing apples
3. Changing commandments
4. Claim leadership from the start, regardless of the fact that Animalism lies on the basis of equality and communism Napoleon has the reputation of “getting his own way”.

Question 4

PG 2

Answer 4

Old Major has a dream of a utopian society in which all animals are equal and there is no hierarchy.

However, there is a certain irony held during his speech.

Old Major is the “prized boar”, who seems to have the utmost respect, in which there is an irony as he preaches to the animals, whist there is already a natural hierarchy amongst the animals.

Question 5

PG 2 Quotes

Answer 5

“I do not grumble for I am one of the lucky ones”

“The pigs did not actually work but directed and supervised the others. With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume the leadership.”

Question 6

PG 3

Answer 6

Leadership of certain individuals cannot be solidified through the satisfaction of the counter-part [animals].

It is emphasised the animals throughout the novel automatically look for a superior power; they desperately require a superior individual to fill the vacuum.

Through this the pigs are able to solidify and cement their power, without any opposition.

Question 7

PG Quotes

Answer 7

“Until now the animals had been about equally divided in their sympathies, but in a moment Snowball’s eloquence had carried them away. In glowing sentences, he painted a
picture of Animal Farm as it might be when sordid labour was lifted from the animals’ backs.”

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

Animal Farm is not an indictment of communism but highlights and criticises the inevitability and
impossibility of the utopia to be successfully achievable.