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

Orwell’s “Animal Farm” deals with the issues of ignorance and the dangers that are associated with ignorance.

Discuss the theme of ignorance and the ways in which theme of ignorance impacts the plot and characters. In addition, you must comment on the contrast that Orwell uses as it relates to the theme.

George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a powerful political allegory that highlights the dangers of ignorance, and how it can be exploited to maintain power and control over others. The novel centers on a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owner and take control of the farm. However, the pigs, who are the most intelligent and manipulative of the animals, use their power to oppress the other animals and maintain their own dominance.

This essay examines two examples of the ignorance of the other animals, and how this ignorance gave strength to the pigs. The first example is the other animals’ inability to recognize the pigs’ true intentions. When the pigs take control of the farm, they claim that they are doing so for the benefit of all the animals. They promise to create a fair and equal society where everyone will be treated equally. However, the pigs are actually using their power to enrich themselves at the expense of the other animals. They take the best food and living quarters for themselves, and they use their control over the other animals to keep them in line. Despite all of this, the other animals are unable to see what is really happening. They believe the pigs’ lies, and they continue to trust them even as they are being oppressed. [See oppression as a theme in the novel.]

The second example is the other animals’ inability to understand the concept of propaganda. The pigs use propaganda to control the other animals, but the animals do not realize what is happening. For example, when the pigs change the farm’s commandments to suit their own interests, the other animals do not question it. When the pigs start using slogans like “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” the other animals do not see the contradiction. This ignorance gives strength to the pigs because it allows them to control the narrative and manipulate the other animals.

The effectiveness of contrast in the exploration of oppression in “Animal Farm” is evident. Orwell uses the stark contrast between the pigs and the other animals to illustrate the dangers of ignorance and the ease with which it can be exploited. The pigs are intelligent, manipulative, and power-hungry, while the other animals are trusting, naive, and easily manipulated. This contrast allows Orwell to highlight the dangers of oppression and the importance of being aware of those who seek to exploit us.

In conclusion, the ignorance of the other farm animals in “Animal Farm” gave strength to the pigs and allowed them to maintain their power over the other animals. The animals’ inability to recognize the pigs’ true intentions and understand propaganda is a stark reminder of the dangers of ignorance. Through the effective use of contrast, Orwell highlights the dangers of oppression and the importance of being aware of those who seek to exploit us. “Animal Farm” serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of ignorance and the importance of being aware of those in power who seek to control us.