Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC English A and B

“Change is the only constant in life.” Orwell presents the theme of change in Animal Farm. Write an essay that assesses three major changes on the farm after the rebellion. You should also discuss the impact that these changes had on the animals. In addition, discuss the use of ONE narrative technique as it is used to enhance the theme of change.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a classic novel that explores the theme of change in great detail. The book examines the societal and personal changes that occur on the farm after the animals overthrow their human oppressors. The novel is a powerful commentary on the dynamics of social and political change, exploring the consequences of change and the challenges that arise when power shifts.

In this essay, I will describe three major changes that occur on the farm after the rebellion and discuss how these changes affect the animals. I will also comment on Orwell’s use of allegory to examine the theme of change.

The first major change that occurs on the farm is the overthrow of the human farmers and the establishment of animal control. The animals take control of the farm and set up their own system of government, giving rise to a new era of hope and excitement. The animals believe that they will finally be able to live in peace and prosperity without the oppression of humans. However, as time passes, the pigs begin to consolidate power and become more authoritarian, leading to a breakdown in the utopian vision that the animals had initially hoped for. This change highlights the challenges that arise when power shifts and how difficult it can be to maintain a balance of power.

The second major change that happens on the farm is the adoption of the Seven Commandments, which represent the principles that the animals are supposed to live by. These commandments represent a significant shift in the way that the animals view themselves and their place in the world. They give the animals a sense of purpose and a set of values to live by. However, as the pigs consolidate power, they begin to manipulate and change the commandments to suit their own interests, leading to a breakdown in the moral fabric of the farm. This change shows how power can corrupt and how difficult it can be to maintain a set of values in the face of changing circumstances.

The third major change that happens on the farm is the rise of Napoleon as the ultimate leader. Napoleon initially presents himself as a leader who is committed to the principles of the revolution and to the well-being of all the animals. However, as he consolidates power, he becomes increasingly authoritarian and ruthless, using violence and intimidation to maintain his control over the other animals. This change has a profound effect on the animals, who go from being hopeful and optimistic to being fearful and oppressed. This change highlights the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of maintaining checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.

Orwell uses the technique of allegory to explore the theme of change in Animal Farm. By using animals to represent different classes of society and different political ideologies, Orwell is able to examine the dynamics of social and political change in a way that is both accessible and relatable. The animals’ struggles and triumphs reflect the struggles and triumphs of real-life societies and political movements, making the novel a powerful commentary on the nature of change and its consequences.

In conclusion, Animal Farm is a novel that explores the theme of change in a variety of ways. The changes that occur on the farm after the rebellion have a profound effect on the animals, both individually and collectively. Orwell’s use of allegory allows him to examine the theme of change in a way that is both powerful and thought-provoking. The novel is a testament to the idea that change is the only constant in life and that it is up to individuals and societies to determine how they will respond to the challenges and opportunities that change presents.