1. Animal Farm by George Orwell

2. George Orwell Eric Arthur Blair Lived in India as a young boy and began writing at an early age Fought in Spanish Civil War Skeptical of governments and their willingness to forsake ideals in favor of power Always felt he was an outsider and questioned any group’s ideology

3. A few terms to know... Satire = the writer attacks a serious issue by presenting it in a ridiculous light or otherwise poking fun at it (Ex: The Simpsons) Fable = a narration intended to enforce a useful truth (Ex: The Tortoise and the Hare) –Teaches a lesson –Characters are frequently animals to point out follies of mankind Allegory = a narrative that can be read on two levels: literal and symbolic (Ex: Lord of the Flies)

4. Karl Marx (d. 1883) German political philosopher Communist Manifesto (1848) –Criticized capitalism; felt that the system denied equal opportunity to the poor –Criticized two classes: working class & owner class Envisioned a new, classless social order based on the equal distribution of wealth Fundamental conflict = the few well-placed and powerful maintain their wealth by suppressing the natural desires of the many poor (however, number of poor = advantage in a revolution) “Workers of the world, unite!”

5. In Russia... At dawn of 20 th century, industrialization had begun throughout Europe. Russia, however, remained a poor farming country. Political system also a remnant of the past –Czar occupied throne and dictated state policy without regard for the concerns of the people –Claimed to draw power directly from God –Passed the throne to a chosen successor without elections –Czar’s rule was absolute; those who protested were subject to severe punishment, including execution

6. Russian Revolution By early 1900s, Russian peasant farmers struggled to survive under an oppressive gov’t. By 1917, amidst tremendous suffering of WWI, a revolution began. Feb. 28, 1917 – Czar Nicholas II overthrown and replaced by Bolshevik leadership of Vladimir Lenin

7. Lenin Adopted Marx’s ideas Understood the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans Changed Russia’s name to the USSR Lenin died in 1924, leaving two of his comrades – Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin – struggling for power

8. Trotsky and Stalin Trotsky –brilliant speaker and writer –pure follower of Marx –intellectual, visionary thinker –hoped to transform Russia into an industrial powerhouse –wanted to improve life for all Russia –delivered powerful speeches Stalin –average speaker, not as educated –didn’t exactly follow Marx’s ideas –focused on administrative duties and building loyalties between himself and powerful soviets –used propaganda to support his image

9. Stalin Era Exiled Trotsky permanently and blamed him for Russia’s problems Aggressive programs to propel Russia into the industrial age –seized land to create collective farms –used vicious military tactics when peasants refused to give up their land Controlled the flow of information in and out of the Soviet Union Stalin maintained his power through use of political and social terror: –Increased size of internal police force (KGB) –Tolerated religion, but used it to keep people working –In effect, silenced all opposition –Brutal jails designed to inspire fear in anyone thinking about criticizing the Stalin regime –“Purges” = high-ranking officials arrested, forced to admit to crimes they did not commit, and executed

10. After Stalin Stalin d. 1953 Until 1980’s Soviet Union remained highly repressive gov’t. Ideas not officially sanctioned by the gov’t. were deemed dangerous – gov’t. maintained an iron grip on the nation 1985 – Mikhail Gorbachev took power and acknowledged need for change Period of uncertainty lingered and opportunities for abuse of power arose

11. What does all this have to do with Animal Farm? Animal Farm is George Orwell’s satire of what he saw as the myth Soviet socialism. Animal Farm exhibits characteristics of the fable. Animal Farm is an allegory of the Russian Revolution.