Overview

We read Animal Farm as a short political fable about a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner and try to run the farm for themselves. At first the animals believe in equality, but the pigs soon take control and twist the rules to benefit themselves, showing how power corrupts.

Writing & Voice

We found Orwell’s voice plain and sharp. The writing is direct but layered with meaning. He uses simple animal characters and clear events to show how revolutions can betray their ideals. The tone stays pointed and biting, never sentimental.

Content & Perspective

The story is told from the collective viewpoint of the animals, with particular focus on leaders like Napoleon and Snowball. Their actions shape the farm’s fate. The text uses this perspective to explore how language and slogans are used to control others.

Themes

Animal Farm explores power, corruption, and inequality. It shows how leaders can change rules to suit themselves and how the promise of equality can be lost. It also looks at propaganda and betrayal, using the farm as a mirror of real-world politics.

What Worked

• Clear, sharp satire that still feels urgent.
• Memorable characters who embody ideas rather than just roles.
• Accessible telling that carries deep political critique.

Minor Quibbles

• Some may find the allegory too direct.
• The short length means there’s no deep subplot.

Final Thoughts

We think this remains a brutal and clear critique of revolution and power, a story that feels fresh even decades after it was first published.

Rating: ★★★★★ / 5