Animal Farm

George Orwell, the writer of Animal Farm, wrote this amazing book to mock the Russian government at the time of the Russian Revolution.  He begins his story with Old Major, an elderly pig. Right before his death, Old Major inspires the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their mistreating owner, Jones. When they finally accomplished this, they renamed the land Animal Farm and began to govern themselves. The pigs, the smarter class, soon rose above the other animals, breaking a commandment clearly stating that all animals are to be equal. In the beginning of their revolution the animals wrote a list of rules which were to be strictly followed. They were known as the "Seven Commandments". Sadly, bit by bit, these rules were changed by the pigs. They realized that since they were smarter than all the other animals, they could rule them without interference. Slowly but surely, the pigs rose above the other animals, they became the "elite" class. This elite class, made up of 100% pigs, soon became the "ruling" class. By this time, the pigs had officially taken over the farm. However, they did so in a way which blinded the other animal's eyes, not letting them see what was really happening. Napoleon and Snowball, the smartest of animals, were constant rivals and were continually against each other in court. Whenever one wanted one thing, the other was sure to oppose it. Soon, Napoleon kicked out Snowball. By means of his dogs, who he had trained to obey at a single word. Napoleon then gained supreme rule over the farm. Sadly, the animals were too stupid to notice that he was doing so. The animals worked harder than ever under Napoleon. Building, rebuilding, and rebuilding yet again the seemingly unachievable windmill, while at the same time working hard to get the crops in. The animals worked tirelessly, their rations were low, they were cold in the winter and bothered by the flies in the summer. Yet, through all their sufferings and trials the pigs still had the animal's confidence and were to keep it for a long time. The story goes on to tell how the pigs eventually are turned into humans because of their desire to be just like them. This book has a wonderful point: if we want to govern ourselves correctly, we must have a good sense of judgment and true knowledge. With this, we can make choices and discern whether others are leading us or tyrannizing over us.  This knowledge and sense of judgment will not only impact your life, but everyone that is around you for as long as you live.