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

Write an essay about power abuse in Animal Farm and how it can lead to dictatorship due to the fear of losing control. Also, analyze a literary technique used in the novel to convey themes of fear and power.

Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, is a novel that explores the theme of power and its abuse through various events. The quote “Power doesn’t corrupt. Fear corrupts… perhaps the fear of a loss of power” accurately reflects the events that occur on the farm and highlights the impact of fear in dictatorial regimes. This essay will examine two incidents in the novel where power is used for the abuse of others, and it will highlight how the fear of losing power over others motivates dictatorship. Furthermore, this essay will also discuss the effectiveness of one literary device used to examine fear or power in Orwell’s Animal Farm.

The first example of power being abused is when Napoleon forces Snowball to leave the farm by using his own personal security force of dogs. Napoleon is fearful of Snowball’s popularity and charisma and is determined to remove him from the picture so that he can have full control over the farm. This abuse of power is further evidenced when Napoleon begins to change the rules and the principles of Animalism to suit his own interests. For instance, he moves into Mr. Jones’s old house, wears a human suit, and begins trading with humans. These actions are a clear abuse of power, as Napoleon is no longer working for the betterment of all animals but is instead pursuing his own personal interests.

The second example of power being abused is when the pigs begin to exploit the other animals on the farm for their own gain. The pigs take more food than they need, live in luxury while other animals live in squalor, and use violence to maintain control over the other animals. The pigs’ abuse of power is evident in their treatment of Boxer, a loyal and hardworking horse. When Boxer is injured and can no longer work, the pigs sell him to the knacker’s yard for a profit. This incident shows how the pigs are willing to sacrifice the well-being of others for their own gain.

Fear of losing power over others serves as a motivation in dictatorship. The pigs use fear as a means of controlling the other animals on the farm. They create a culture of fear and mistrust by using propaganda and violence to maintain power. The animals are constantly reminded of the dangers of being labeled a traitor and are afraid to speak out against the pigs. This fear ensures that the pigs remain in control and that their power is never challenged.

Orwell effectively uses irony to examine the abuse of power and fear in the novel. For example, the pigs initially promote the principles of Animalism, which advocate for equality and justice for all animals. However, as they gain power, they begin to act like humans, exploiting the other animals and breaking their own rules. This irony highlights how power corrupts and how those who are in power are often the ones who act in ways that go against the values they espouse.

In conclusion, Animal Farm effectively demonstrates how power can be abused for personal gain and how fear of losing power can lead to the corruption of those in power. The examples of power abuse in the novel show how those in power are often willing to exploit others for their own gain, while the use of fear ensures that their power remains unchallenged. The effectiveness of the irony device is evident in the novel, as it highlights the discrepancy between the principles of Animalism and the actions of the pigs, providing a deep insight into the corrupt nature of power and its impact on individuals and societies.