Animal Farm is one of the most popular books written by George Orwell that tells of a group of farm animals who rise up against their cruel human owner and create an ideal society whose members abide by some laws. While the book is typically referred to as a political allegory, my research has led me to believe that Animal Farm is also a fairy tale.
In this article, I will delve into the reasons why I consider Animal Farm as a fairy tale. I’ll take you through the characteristics of fairy tales, their elements, their purpose, and how Animal Farm fits into all of these categories. You might be wondering why a grown person (who’s not a literature student) might want to read about fairy tales. However, trust me when I say that by the time you are done reading, you’ll have a whole new understanding and appreciation for this classic novel.
If you’re interested in knowing how Orwell uses traditional fairy tale elements, such as talking animals, moral lessons, and the journey from innocence to experience, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on this article. Or maybe you’re just feeling skeptical about this article’s claims? Well, why not give it a chance? After all, who knows what surprising revelations might be waiting for you at the end of the road?
So get ready to learn why Animal Farm should be considered a fairy tale, and how its use of recognizable fairy tale tropes and themes contributes to its universal appeal. Get ready to embark on an eye-opening journey with me that will make you view this classic work of literature from a brand new perspective!
“Why Is Animal Farm A Fairy Story” ~ bbaz
Introduction
In George Orwell’s literary masterpiece, Animal Farm, the author brilliantly employs allegory to illustrate the Russian Revolution of 1917 and provide a scathing critique of communism. However, beyond its focused political commentary, there is an underlying fairy tale-like quality that gives the book an enduring appeal. The purpose of this comparison blog article is to explore why Animal Farm qualifies as a fairy tale and how it differs from other iconic stories of the genre.
The Classic Fairy Tale
The fairy tale has been an integral part of oral tradition for centuries. The classic fairy tale is often categorized by its magical elements, a hero or heroine, conflict, and a journey. Animal Farm contains all of these key ingredients.
Magical Elements
Animal Farm is not a traditional fairy tale, but there are many fantastical elements employed in the story. For example, after Snowball is exiled, the reader is led to believe that he has become a sinister presence, vying for power at every opportunity. However, Orwell cleverly reveals that Snowball is, in fact, dead. This plot twist makes for quite a magical moment.
Heroes and Heroines
Orwell portrays animals as the heroes and heroines in Animal Farm. He cleverly anthropomorphizes them, which makes it easy for readers to identify with their struggles. The true hero of the story is Boxer, the draft horse, who represents the insane dedication and loyalty that existed among supporters of communism in the Soviet Union.
Conflict
The central conflict in Animal Farm is the class struggle between the animals and the oppressive pigs, who represent the upper-class Soviet Politburo, which held power during the Russian Revolution. The conflict is fierce and unrelenting, making it a classic aspect of a fairy tale.
A Journey
The journey in Animal Farm is the one that the animals take from subjugation to own their property and working conditions. This journey takes the form of a revolution, and it leads the animals to different stages of their political identity. They struggle as they try to achieve what they desire.
Animal Farm versus Classic Fairy Tales
While Animal Farm embodies many of the characteristics of the classic fairy tale genre, there are significant differences that set it apart from traditional tales.
Morality
One of the essential elements of a classic fairy tale is a moral lesson or teaching. Often these lessons are couched in allegory, with characters representing various virtues or vices. While Animal Farm has its share of allegorical characters, it doesn’t have a clear-cut moral lesson. The book does not champion democracy or capitalism over communism, but instead shows how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Realism
Most classic fairy-tale stories are unrealistic and fanciful. On the flip side, Animal Farm is more grounded in reality. Orwell wrote this novel as a commentary on real-life events that unfolded before his eyes, making it more realistic than many traditional fairy tales.
Resolution
Finally, one of the most significant differences between Animal Farm and classic fairy tales is the resolution of the story. Usually, fairy tales end happily ever after, but in Animal Farm, the ending is darker. The animals are left to suffer and see that their initial values are eventually betrayed. Thus ending does not necessarily leave an optimistic feeling behind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is effortless to see how Animal Farm fits into the classic fairy tale mold. With Hans Christian Andersen, The Brothers Grimm, and Perrault’s classics as guidelines, it’s a testament to Orwell’s writing that this novel is reminiscent of tales of old while also being a sharp critique of society’s oppressed throughout Russia’s most extensive history. Nevertheless, we can make distinctions between Animal Farm and the traditional fairy tale when we look closer at its moral teaching, realism, and resolution.
| Classic fairy tale element | Animal Farm reference |
|---|---|
| Magical elements | Snowball’s resurrection after his exile |
| Heroes/Heroines | Anthropomorphized animals, with Boxer being the hero |
| Conflict | Class struggle between the animals and the pigs |
| Journey | The animals’ revolution |
| Morality | Shows how absolute power corrupts absolutely |
| Realism | Grounded in real-life events that unfolded before the author’s eyes |
| Resolution | Ending is darker than traditional fairy tales |
Thank you for joining us on this journey to uncover the magic within George Orwell’s Animal Farm. By exploring the fairytale elements present in this classic novel, we have gained a deeper understanding of its significance and impact.
We hope that this article has enlightened you on how the use of anthropomorphized animals, clear good vs. evil themes, and a simplistic narrative style all contribute to a story that is, in many ways, a fairy tale. However, it is important to remember that this fairy tale is also a powerful political allegory, highlighting the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of staying vigilant against those who would abuse their power.
As we close the chapter on our exploration of Animal Farm, we encourage you to continue delving into the magical world of literature. Whether through fairy tales or political allegories, books have the ability to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and inspire us to make a positive impact in our own lives and communities. Keep reading, keep learning, and keep exploring the magic that exists within the pages of a book.
People also ask about Unveiling the Magic: Why Animal Farm is a Fairy Tale
- What makes Animal Farm a fairy tale?
- What is the allegory in Animal Farm?
- What is the main theme of Animal Farm?
- Why is Animal Farm still relevant today?
Animal Farm is considered a fairy tale because it uses animals as main characters, a form of anthropomorphism commonly found in fairy tales. Additionally, it has a moral lesson or allegory that is easily understood by children and adults alike.
The allegory in Animal Farm is the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of communism in the Soviet Union. The farm animals in the book represent different groups of people, with the pigs representing the Communist Party leaders, and the other animals representing the working class and peasants. The story shows how power can corrupt those who hold it, and how revolutions can go wrong if not managed properly.
The main theme of Animal Farm is the abuse of power and the dangers of totalitarianism. The book shows how the pigs gradually become more corrupt and oppressive as they consolidate their power on the farm, ultimately becoming just as bad as the humans they overthrew.
Animal Farm is still relevant today because it shows how easily people can be manipulated and how dangerous it is to blindly follow leaders without questioning their motives or actions. It also highlights the importance of democracy, freedom of speech, and the need for a system of checks and balances to prevent abuses of power. These themes are still relevant in modern politics and society.
