ANIMAL FARM BY GEAORGE ORWELL

XIM UNIVERSITY BHUBANESWAR

BATCH 2021-2024
ROLL NO.- USCBB21047
BY JONAKI BISWAS
GUIDED BY PROF J.P. JAGDEV
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the assignment was to analyse George Orwell's "Animal Farm" through the lens of
Industrial and Employment Relations (IER). By reading and comprehending the story, we were asked
to interpret the storyline in parallel with concepts studied in IER. Specifically, the assignment aimed to
facilitate an understanding of the dynamics between employers and employees, as well as the role of
trade unions, as depicted both in the narrative of "Animal Farm" and in real-world scenarios of
industrial relations.
After reading the story I interpreted it as per my understanding of the subject IER and concluded many
things. I’ve further articulated my understandings as per as the requirements and the scope of
assignment as well as its implications in real life .

LEARNING OUTCOMES:-
 Critical Thinking and Micro Analysis of the story to connect the dots with IER
 Understanding the core concepts of IER through fictional story .
 Behavioural Aspect of various animals representing various management style and identifying
the best method of solving the real world problems.
 Awareness of the various functions of the acting bodies and different management styles
followed by them.
 Getting to know the more balanced approach of handling such things and situations.
 The failed rebellion of the story deciphered many faulty way of management to run an
organisation and what to do to minimize the loopholes
 Trust issues that are prevalent , and ways of bridging this gap.

STORY IN DEPTH :-
 ABOUT THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT BASED ON WHICH
THE NOVELLA WAS WRITTEN :-
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell was written in the historical context of the early to mid-20th
century, during a period marked by significant political and social upheaval. The novella serves
as an parody of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of Stalinist
totalitarianism in the Soviet Union
Orwell's work reflects the disillusionment of many intellectuals and observers with the promise
of socialism as practiced in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. The story is a satirical
critique of the betrayal of the socialist ideals of equality and justice by the ruling elite,
represented by the pigs on the farm who manipulate and exploit the other animals for their own
gain. Through the characters and events in "Animal Farm," Orwell highlights the dangers of
authoritarianism, propaganda, and the cult of personality, drawing parallels to real-world
historical figures such as Stalin and the oppressive regime he established. The novella serves as
a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of democratic
principles.
In summary, "Animal Farm" is a literary response to the historical context of Orwell's time,
offering a scathing commentary on the abuse of power and the perversion of revolutionary
ideals in the Soviet Union and beyond.
THE CHARACTERS AND WHO THEY REPRESENT
1) Old Major: represents Karl Marx

2) Napoleon(The power hungry pig ): Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet
Union who rose to power after the Russian Revolution. In the context of IER , Napoleon
symbolizes the authoritarian ruler who hijacks the revolution for his own benefit, betraying the
principles of equality and workers' rights.

3) Snowball: Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution who was
eventually ousted by Stalin. In terms of IER, Snowball embodies the idealistic revolutionary who
seeks to uphold Marxist principles of collective ownership and workers' empowerment.

4) Boxer: Boxer represents the working class or proletariat, who toil tirelessly for the success of the
revolution but are ultimately exploited and betrayed by the ruling elite. In the context of IER,
Boxer symbolizes the labor force whose hard work and dedication are essential for the functioning
of the economy but who often face exploitation and mistreatment by those in power.

5) Squealer: Squealer represents master of propaganda and manipulation, serving as the mouthpiece
for Napoleon's regime and spreading falsehoods to justify the pigs' increasingly authoritarian rule.
In terms of IER, Squealer represents the mechanisms through which those in power control the
narrative and suppress dissent among the workforce.

6) The Pigs: The pigs as a group represent the ruling class or bourgeoisie, who exploit the labor of
the working class for their own gain. In the context of IER , the pigs symbolize the elite few who
hold economic and political power and use it to maintain their privileged position at the expense
of the majority.

THE FOUR STAGES OF THE STORY

 Situation of the Farm and the New thought

Rebellion and overthrow

Takeover by a new leadership and compromised

goals

Completing the circle

• Stage 1 Situation of the Farm and the New thought

Before the outburst of animals in the Manor Farm which resulted into rebellion in
the farm was depicted as a place of oppression, inequality, and exploitation under
the owner's rule i.ee Mr. Jones, the human owner. The animals lived in squalid
conditions, subjected to overwork, poor treatment, and hunger. Mr. Jones and his
men represented the oppressive capitalist system, where the working class (the
animals) were exploited for the benefit of the elites.
They were inspired by Old Major's vision of a utopian society where all animals
would be equal and free from the oppressive rule of the humans. This vision
planted the seeds of rebellion and ignited the desire for change among the animal.
The new thought introduced by Old Major's teachings offered hope for a better
future, where the animals could govern themselves and enjoy the fruits of their
labor without the interference of humans. Hence fueled the animals'
determination to fight for their freedom and equality.

• Stage 2 Rebellion and overthrow

The rebellion and overthrow of the Owner and his men were executed with
strategic planning and collective action by the animals. The revolution which
was entirely planned and led by the pigs, particularly Snowball and
Napoleon ,started with the animals launching a surprise attack against Mr. Jones
and his men. Despite initial setbacks, such as the humans' use of firearms, the
animals' sheer determination and unity enable them to overwhelm their
oppressors and drive them off the farm through sheer force and determination.
During the rebellion, the animals demonstrated remarkable bravery and
ingenuity, with each species utilizing its unique strengths to contribute to the
 fight. The horses, led by Boxer, provided the muscle power needed to break
down the doors of the farmhouse, while the smaller animals use their agility to
out maneuver the humans. The ferocity of the animals' attack caught the humans
off guard, and they were quickly forced to retreat in the face of the animals'
overwhelming numbers and determination.
The animals, inspired by Old Major's vision of a society where they would be
free from human oppression, rallied together with courage and unity to seize
control of the farm. They successfully expelled the humans and declared the
establishment of Animal Farm, where all animals would be equal and govern
themselves.

• Stage 3 Takeover by a new leadership and compromised goals

After the successful overthrow of Mr. Jones and the humans, the animals
establish a new leadership under the pigs, primarily Napoleon and Snowball.
Initially, the animals' goals revolved around creating a society based on equality,
where all animals are free from oppression and have control over their own
destinies. They adopted the Seven Commandments, which embody their
principles of Animalism and serve as the foundation for their new society.
However, as time passed, the leadership of the pigs, particularly Napoleon,
becomes increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. Napoleon gradually consolidates
his power, using tactics such as propaganda, manipulation, and violence to
maintain control over the other animals. Snowball, who initially shared power
with Napoleon, was driven off the farm through a campaign of slander
orchestrated by Napoleon.
Under Napoleon's rule, the principles of Animalism are gradually eroded hence
the initial goals compromised .The pigs begin to live in luxury, while the other
animals toil harder than ever, with little to show for their efforts. The Seven
Commandments are subtly altered to justify the pigs' increasingly oppressive
behaviour
The pigs' betrayal of the animals' trust and their deviation from the principles of
equality and solidarity represent a tragic irony as The farm descended into a state
of tyranny and exploitation, with the animals realizing too late that their
revolution has been hijacked by those who were supposed to represent their
interests.

• Stage 4 Completing the circle

After the pigs, led by Napoleon, seize control of the farm, they establish a new
hierarchy that mirrors the oppressive system they originally rebelled against. The
pigs, who were once comrades in the struggle for equality, now exploit the other
animals for their own benefit. They live in luxury in the farmhouse, enjoy special
privileges, and enforce their authority through fear and manipulation.The circle of
oppression continues as the pigs adopt many of the same tactics used by humans
to maintain their power.
As time passes, the conditions on the farm deteriorate further, with the animals
working harder than ever while reaping fewer rewards. Despite their initial hopes
for a better life, they find themselves trapped in a system of exploitation and
inequality, with the pigs ruling over them as tyrants.
As the pigs' leadership became increasingly corrupt and the farm's infrastructure
deteriorated, the neighbouring humans saw an opportunity to regain control. The
pigs, particularly Napoleon, had begun to emulate the behaviours of humans,
forming alliances with neighbouring farmers and engaging in trade. This gradual
alignment with the humans compromised the animals' autonomy and weakened
their defences. As tensions between the pigs and other animals grew, the humans
saw an opening to strike. They launched a surprise attack on Animal Farm,
exploiting the divisions and disarray among the animals. The humans, armed with
weapons and fueled by resentment, overwhelmed the animals' defenses and
reclaimed the farm.
The recapture of Animal Farm symbolizes the failure of the revolution and the
animals' inability to break free from the cycle of oppression. Despite their initial
victory and hopes for a better future, they ultimately succumbed to the same
forces of greed, corruption, and betrayal that had plagued human society.