Marxism
Marxism is the idea of a society where everyone is equal, everyone does the same amount of work according to the social role that fits them best, gets the same amount of food, and is valued the same way as the next person. This is to try to create a strong sense of unity. There is usually one leader that is of the same socioeconomic class as everyone else, whom receives no special treatment at all as to avoid materialism, which leads to conflict. This idea is considered a Utopia on paper, while in practice, human nature corrupts this way of life with exploitation, stopping it from working as it should.
Marxism in Animal Farm
Old Major's speech to the farm animals: In the first few pages of the book, a boar named Old Major says he "had a dream" and gives the animals a long speech. This speech explains to the farm animals the oppression by Mr. Jones and persuades them to bring about a revolution instead of staying as his slaves. (Orwell 2)
A Marxist would have liked this, as it shows how the animals were planning to get rid of the tyrannical leader and put up their own governing system where everyone would be equal and not have to life in poverty and oppression.
A Marxist would have liked this, as it shows how the animals were planning to get rid of the tyrannical leader and put up their own governing system where everyone would be equal and not have to life in poverty and oppression.
The original 7 commandments of the farm: After the revolution happens, and the animals are settled down and figuring out what they are all doing, Snowball writes the 7 commandments of animalism. One of these commandments shares a large similarity with the ideals of Marxism. That commandment is 'All animals are equal', and is the animal version of the main idea of Marxism. (Orwell 9)
A Marxist would like this because it states that all animals are equal, which was the biggest ideal of Marxism. Pigs get special treatment: When the pigs have to milk the cows, it is noted that the buckets of milk disappear. Later it is said that the milk is mixed into the pigs mash everyday, along with apples that had been picked. This directly defies the commandment of Animal Farm ,all animals are equal, but Squealer is able to convince the other animals that it is for the benefit of the other animals in the long run. (Orwell 11,15)
A Marxist would dislike this greatly, as it defies the very purpose of Marxism, in that the pigs are receiving special treatment, which leads the pigs to think that they are better than the other animals and continue to cause more problems. |
Mollie: Mollie shows a lot of materialism and seems to have a mentality that she is above others, because she does not do as much work as others, and is seen several times with the ribbons, and also wants the sugar. This leads to her abandoning animalism for another farm where she gets the ribbons and sugar she wants. (Orwell 7)
A Marxist would dislike this because they try to get rid of materialism as well as have the mentality that everyone is equal, which Mollie did not seem to share with the other animals. Mollie could potentially create conflict among the animals, and if there were others like her there would be competition, both of which a Marxist would not like.
A Marxist would dislike this because they try to get rid of materialism as well as have the mentality that everyone is equal, which Mollie did not seem to share with the other animals. Mollie could potentially create conflict among the animals, and if there were others like her there would be competition, both of which a Marxist would not like.
Beasts of England: Beasts of England is a song that Old Major teaches the animals and is used to unite them all as they sing a single song. It tells how the animals will utilize animalism and take control of the farm from Mr. Jones, and encourages other animals to do so as well. (Orwell 5)
A Marxist would like this, as it unifies all the animals under one song, and sort of brings them all to the same level. It is similar to the U.S.A.s National anthem.
A Marxist would like this, as it unifies all the animals under one song, and sort of brings them all to the same level. It is similar to the U.S.A.s National anthem.