Political Systems

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Animal Farm is written against totalitarianism and also against communism from the point of view of an ardent socialist.

Orwell thought that all political theories and ideologies- except socialism – are hopeless and disillusioning.

Orwell emphasises this through presenting Jones as a dictator, in which he operates in a totalitarian system, in comparison to the animals who opt for communism.

Question 2

PG 1

Answer 2

Although political uprisings seem to usually stem from factors which influence such rebellions, it is also important to note that such uprisings were the results of such dissatisfaction within the animals. The lack of satisfaction of the animals fuelled their belief and they became more
reliant to extreme/different views, because of their desperation for a change.

Question 3

PG 1 Quotes

Answer 3

“All animals are equal”- transformed into “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.

Question 4

PG 2

Answer 4

Animal Farm is a satire on the rise and the inevitable fall of communism.

When the animal’s revolt, they draw up new rules on the basis of one golden rule; “All animals are equal.”

Orwell criticises political systems because of the ease/ simplicity to manipulate and destroy the system, the inevitability of returning to the original position, if and when basis of the system is no longer followed and the capability and capacity of certain individuals to change the rules as
well as the system.

Question 5

PG 2 Quotes

Answer 5

’ … life would go on as it had always gone on – that is, badly.’

Question 6

PG 3

Answer 6

Orwell communicates how all political systems are unsustainable approaches towards obtaining a permanent basis/foundation for the system. The failure of the farm is seen to reinforce Orwell’s point of the inevitable demise of political systems.

The politic systems, represented through a spectrum, both the extremist systems put at each end – communism
and a dictatorship.

Although these systems are distinctly different, Orwell draws a parallel between the two, through the inevitable demise of both – emphasised through the reign of
Mr Jones and the Pigs.

Question 7

PG 3 Quotes

Answer 7

find some dumb bitch

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

Orwell suggests how all systems seek an unreachable/ idealistic perfect society, a paradise which is often preached for – the animals are presented with a utopia, a harmonious society epitomising equality for all – yet as the novel continues, so does the unravelling of the pig’s
main intentions, and the hierarchy is then clearly represented, to represent how there is no
equality.

Therefore, Orwell shows how all political systems are inevitably going to fail, because
of the idealistic ideals which can easily be decomposed to benefit the elite.