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Animal Farm - Power and Corruption

 

            Power and corruption is one of most important themes of the Animal Farm by George Orwell. One who has power can lose the sense of right and wrong, and it was shown in the novel Animal Farm through the character Napoleon. "Absolute power corrupts those who possess it," was one the most famous quotes of John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton (Lord Acton). This quote can be proven by the events throughout history, World War II, literature, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again" and "The Lord of the Rings," and it is also proven by the actions of Napoleon in the allegory Animal Farm. .
             A good example of the power corruption would be when Napoleon, who is the leader of Animal/Manor Farm, used his absolute power to break the Seven Commandments in order to justify his wrong actions. Not only did he break the Seven Commandments but he also changed the last four Commandments. One of the most important Commandments was the commandment number 7, "All animals are equal – All animals are equal some are just more equal than others." Napoleon broke all of these rules for his benefit. Since Napoleon has absolute power he knows that he can break the rules, bend (? twist) the truth, and misuse his authority for his personal gain.
             Another example of power corruption is also shown with the actions of Napoleon, the power-hungry dictator of the Animal Farm. Napoleon uses Squealer to spread the distorted information to (? in order to) influence public opinions. Napoleon tells lies and propaganda against Snowball using Squealer as his propagandist. The propaganda, the lies, and the false information, that were created by Napoleon and announced by Squealer, directly targeted Snowball and shamelessly opposed the truth. For example, Napoleon makes Squealer spread the lies to the other animals of Snowball's false and cunning action during the second war (when Snowball led the animals to drive the humans out for the second time).


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