The Animal Farm : George Orwell-17 Aug 1945
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is an allegorical novella that tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer in hopes of creating a society where they can be free, equal, and happy. The rebellion is initially inspired by Old Major, a prize-winning boar who shares his dream of a society without human oppression. The animals take over the farm and attempt to establish a utopia.
However, the pigs, who assume leadership roles, gradually become as corrupt and oppressive as the humans they replaced. The farm ends up under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon, and life for the animals becomes as bad, if not worse, than before the rebellion. The story serves as a critique of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power.
After Old Major's death, two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, take charge of planning and leading the rebellion. They successfully overthrow Mr. Jones, the human farmer, and rename the farm "Animal Farm." The pigs establish a set of commandments, the most important of which is "All animals are equal." Snowball and Napoleon initially work together, but soon clash over the direction of the farm. Snowball wants to build a windmill to generate electricity and improve the animals' lives, while Napoleon opposes the idea.
Eventually, Napoleon uses his guard dogs to chase Snowball away from the farm, declaring him a traitor. With Snowball gone, Napoleon assumes full control and gradually begins to consolidate his power. He revises the commandments to suit his needs, and the pigs start to enjoy privileges denied to other animals. The construction of the windmill proceeds, but the animals are overworked and underfed. The pigs begin to trade with humans, breaking one of the original commandments. They move into the farmhouse, consume alcohol, and start walking on two legs. The commandments are eventually reduced to a single phrase: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
The animals, exhausted and disillusioned, realize that their leaders have become indistinguishable from the humans they once rebelled against. The story ends with the other animals peering through a window at the pigs and humans dining together, unable to tell them apart. As time goes on, the conditions on Animal Farm continue to deteriorate for the common animals while the pigs enjoy increasing luxuries. The hardworking and loyal horse, Boxer, who has always believed in the leadership of Napoleon and the pigs, is severely injured while working on the windmill.
Despite his years of dedicated service, Napoleon sells Boxer to a knacker to be slaughtered for profit, betraying the trust of the animals who believed Boxer was being sent to a veterinarian. The betrayal of Boxer is a significant turning point. The animals are heartbroken, but Napoleon and the pigs convince them that Boxer’s fate was honorable, and they fabricate a story that he died peacefully in a hospital. They continue to manipulate the truth, using propaganda and rewriting history to maintain control. The farm becomes more indistinguishable from a human-run enterprise.
The pigs continue to exploit the other animals, and the original ideals of the rebellion are completely forgotten. Napoleon and the other pigs become indistinguishable from humans, wearing clothes, engaging in trade, and walking on two legs. The farm’s name is even reverted back to "Manor Farm," symbolizing the complete reversal of the rebellion’s goals. In the final scene, the animals observe a meeting between the pigs and human farmers. They realize with horror that they can no longer tell the difference between the pigs and the humans. This realization cements the novel's message about the cyclical nature of power and corruption.
"Animal Farm" ends on a bleak note, highlighting the themes of betrayal, the corrupting influence of power, and the manipulation of truth. It serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the ease with which revolutionary ideals can be subverted by those in power. The final moments of "Animal Farm" reinforce its core themes.
The pigs, led by Napoleon, have completely abandoned the principles of Animalism that once promised equality and freedom for all animals. Instead, they have adopted the very behaviors and vices of the human oppressors they overthrew. The meeting between the pigs and the human farmers, including Mr. Pilkington of Foxwood Farm, is a social gathering where they toast to mutual prosperity. During this meeting, the animals watching from outside the farmhouse window witness an argument between Napoleon and Mr. Pilkington, who both play the card game. Both accuse each other of cheating, revealing the underlying distrust and competition that persists among those in power. As the animals peer through the window, they notice the transformation of the pigs is now complete. The pigs are indistinguishable from the humans in their actions, attire, and mannerisms.
The final scene vividly illustrates George Orwell's allegory: the pigs' faces become indistinguishable from the humans', symbolizing that the new regime is just as oppressive as the old one. The novel concludes with a powerful and chilling realization that the revolution has ultimately failed. The animals are left in a state of despair, recognizing that their suffering has not ended but merely changed form. Orwell's "Animal Farm" serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of ideals in the face of power and the ease with which they can be corrupted. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the betrayal of revolutionary promises, emphasizing the need for vigilance and integrity in the pursuit of justice and equality.
While "Animal Farm" concludes with the chilling realization of the animals at the window, reflecting on the indistinguishability between pigs and humans, this final moment cements the overarching message of the novella.
Themes and Analysis
1. **Corruption of Ideals**: The animals' rebellion was rooted in the noble ideals of Animalism, which promised equality and freedom. However, as the pigs gained power, they manipulated these ideals to serve their own interests. The gradual changes in the commandments on the barn wall are a clear representation of this corruption. The final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” encapsulates the ultimate betrayal of the revolution.
2. **Power and Control**: Orwell explores how those in power can manipulate and control the masses. Napoleon's rise to power and his subsequent actions demonstrate the use of propaganda, fear, and misinformation. The character of Squealer, who constantly alters the truth, symbolizes the propaganda machinery that sustains totalitarian regimes.
3. **Betrayal**: The story of Boxer, the hardworking and loyal horse, represents the betrayal of the working class. Despite his tireless efforts and loyalty, he is discarded when he is no longer useful. This highlights the expendability of the proletariat in the eyes of those in power.
4. **Cycle of Oppression**: The novel ends with the animals realizing that they have merely exchanged one form of oppression for another. The pigs’ transformation into human-like figures signifies that the cycle of exploitation and oppression continues unabated. This reflects Orwell’s critique of how revolutionary movements can be co-opted by new elites who replicate the injustices they initially opposed.
Conclusion
In "Animal Farm," Orwell masterfully uses the allegory of a farm to explore complex political and social themes. The novella serves as a poignant reminder of the ease with which ideals can be corrupted, the dangers of unchecked power, and the persistent nature of inequality and oppression. Through the disillusionment of the animals, Orwell underscores the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in the face of political rhetoric and authority. The enduring relevance of "Animal Farm" lies in its ability to resonate with readers across different historical and political contexts. It remains a powerful critique of the dynamics of power and a sobering reflection on the human condition.
Key Characters and Their Fates
1. **Napoleon**: As the central antagonist, Napoleon embodies the rise of a dictator who uses cunning, brutality, and propaganda to consolidate power. His transformation into a figure indistinguishable from the humans underscores the theme of corrupt leadership.
2. **Snowball**: Initially a co-leader with Napoleon, Snowball represents the intellectual and progressive wing of the revolution. His expulsion mirrors the fate of political dissidents in totalitarian regimes, such as Leon Trotsky's exile from Soviet Russia.
3. **Squealer**: As Napoleon's propagandist, Squealer's role is crucial in manipulating the other animals and maintaining the regime's control through deceit. He symbolizes the power of language and propaganda in shaping perceptions and controlling the masses.
4. **Boxer**: The hardworking cart-horse represents the proletariat, whose strength and loyalty are exploited by those in power. His tragic end highlights the betrayal and exploitation of the working class.
5. **Old Major**: The visionary whose dream sparks the rebellion, Old Major represents the ideological foundation of the revolution, akin to Karl Marx or Vladimir Lenin. His vision of equality and freedom is ultimately corrupted by those who follow.
6. **Benjamin**: The cynical donkey who remains skeptical of the revolution from the start, Benjamin represents the skeptical and often passive intellectuals who recognize the corruption but feel powerless to stop it.
Moral Lessons
1. **Beware of Power**: One of the central lessons of "Animal Farm" is the corrupting influence of power. It serves as a warning to remain vigilant and critical of those in authority.
2. **Importance of Education**: The novel emphasizes the role of education in empowering individuals to recognize and resist oppression. The pigs' control over information and education underscores how knowledge can be used to manipulate or liberate.
3. **Equality and Justice**: Orwell advocates for true equality and justice, warning against systems that claim to promote these ideals while perpetuating inequality and exploitation.
In summary, "Animal Farm" is a multi-faceted work that combines literary brilliance with deep social and political insights. Its enduring relevance and powerful message continue to captivate and educate readers around the world.
Of Studies : Francis Bacon-1597
Francis Bacon wrote a masterful essay titled "Of Studies." Among the articles written on Study's behalf, this one is the most appealing. Francis Bacon discusses the value of studies in human existence in his essay, Of Studies. Published in 1597, the essay "Of Studies" is the first of 10 works in the series. Articles or Counsels: Civil and Moral is the title of this collection of essays. The author of this essay has emphasized the value of reading, writing, and learning in one's life with experience, supporting the three goals of education: ability, ornamentation, and enjoyment.
About the Author
Concerning Poet Many people consider Francis Bacon to be a distinguished essayist, philosopher, scholar, and thinker. He is a product of Elizabethan culture. Regarding Francis Bacon, he is regarded as the Father of English Essays and one of the best writers of all time. As the Elizabethan era's greatest essayist, he penned a vast array of writings covering a wide range of topics. One of his most well-known essays is titled "Of Studies," and it touches on a variety of topics including love, friendship, hate, death, truth, philosophy, beauty, ambition, custom, and education.
Examining "Of Studies" The author lists the following three goals for the study at the beginning of this essay:
Research on happiness: Research on increasing pleasure or joy in one's life.
Research on aptitude: Research aimed at enhancing a person's aptitude in life.
Research for Ornament: Research to add flair to one's existence.
Studies are first and foremost used for enjoyment or pleasure. This joy is obtained in isolation or in leisure time after leaving a busy life behind. Second, studies are used as a decorative element in speech, interaction, and communication. An ignorant person cannot speak with the same attractiveness as an educated person. The third aids in judgment, decision-making, and business disposition.
The research do, however, have certain limitations. Spending excessive amounts of time studying is just lazy. When these are overused in conversation, they have the tendency to exaggerate and pose an individual. It is also absurd and hilarious for a scholar to make all of his life's decisions based solely on his knowledge. "Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them," writes Bacon.
Men who are industrious or archaic despise or denounce education. Still, folks of simple intelligence find them admirable. Furthermore, clever folks make practical use of them. Research don't impart their own uses. A person learns to employ them through his wisdom. "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested," the author states.
Certain books can only be beneficial in specific situations, hence they must only be read in parts. Reading them word for word is improper. Conversely, though. Certain novels are best read with attentiveness and without distraction, while others demand the reader's whole focus and should not be read casually. Furthermore, this category of books has hidden gems that the reader must search for with effort.
"Reading makes a Full Man; conference a ready Man; and writing an exact Man," is a helpful quote from Bacon in support of reading. Reading broadens a person's knowledge and completes them in terms of their intelligence. Without a doubt, social connection is what practically prepares someone. Moreover, the ability to write extensively or creatively is what defines a fully formed individual.
The author also provides some study-related facts. He claims that a guy requires a strong memory to retain all he has learned if he writes less. A person who reads a little must be astute in recognizing what he does not know, and a person who interacts little needs to have a current and acute intelligence.
Bacon dazzles the reader with his insightful and wise proverbs.
"Men become wise through history; poets, clever;
mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, profound;
morality, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend,"
According to Bacon, the wisdom and wit of the younger generation stems from their forefathers' past. These are the ancients' norms and guidelines that give mathematics its subtlety. Philosophy has a deep significance and may be justified with logic and persuasive arguments because of history. "Therefore, every defect of the mind may have a special receipt," writes Bacon to wrap out the article.
In summary
The advantages of study for people in their everyday lives are covered in Bacon's essay, "Of Studies." Studying is a vital part of a person's life, from reading books to writing papers, as it helps him become knowledgeable, wise, and experienced. The article by Francis Bacon is full of insightful analysis, a pragmatic perspective, and useful insight. It is therefore regarded as the essay that will benefit students and young people the most.
Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture : Jerome K. Jerome
"Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" is a humorous short story by Jerome K. Jerome, from his famous collection Three Men in a Boat. The story is a classic example of Jerome's witty and satirical style, focusing on the character Uncle Podger, who attempts to perform a simple task: hanging a picture on the wall. However, what should be a straightforward job turns into a chaotic and hilarious ordeal.
Summary:
The story revolves around Uncle Podger, a comically self-assured and inept character who insists on doing everything himself, especially when it comes to simple household tasks. On this particular occasion, Uncle Podger decides to hang a picture on the wall, turning what should be a straightforward job into an epic and chaotic affair.
The Decision:
The event begins when Aunt Podger buys a new picture, and the family suggests hiring someone to hang it. However, Uncle Podger dismisses the idea, declaring, “Oh, you leave that to me. Don’t you worry about that. I’ll do all that.” He is adamant that he doesn’t need any help from professionals, believing that he is perfectly capable of handling the task himself. This sets the stage for the unfolding disaster.
The Preparation:
Uncle Podger’s first step is to organize the task. However, instead of just hanging the picture himself, he ends up involving the entire family in the process. He sends one person to fetch a hammer, another to get nails, a third to find a ladder, and so on. Each task is accompanied by confusion and miscommunication, leading to a flurry of activity as everyone tries to locate the required items.
As the family scrambles to fulfill Uncle Podger’s requests, he begins the task of measuring the wall. However, this proves to be more difficult than anticipated. He manages to drop the picture several times, and each time it falls, it’s met with an exasperated groan from the rest of the household. At one point, the picture falls and shatters the glass, adding another layer of complication to the already chaotic scene.
The Chaos:
Once everything is seemingly in place, Uncle Podger climbs the ladder to hammer in the nail. But his clumsiness leads to a series of mishaps. He drops the hammer, loses the nail, and accidentally hammers his own thumb. Each mistake prompts him to berate the family members for not helping him properly, even though they’re doing their best to follow his disorganized instructions.
At one point, Uncle Podger asks one of the children to hold the nail in place while he hammers, but the child is too scared to do so. Uncle Podger tries to show how easy it is by holding the nail himself, only to accidentally hit his thumb with the hammer again. The entire process is filled with similar comedic errors and interruptions, each one increasing the tension and frustration among the family.
The Final Outcome:
After hours of struggling, dropping tools, and causing general mayhem, the picture is finally hung on the wall. However, it’s not straight, and the wall is now covered with unnecessary holes, scratches, and marks. Despite the obvious flaws, Uncle Podger steps back to admire his work with great pride. He even comments that the job was more difficult than he expected, but that he managed to do it all by himself without any professional help.
The rest of the family, utterly exhausted by the ordeal, can only look on in disbelief. Aunt Podger, who initially suggested getting a professional, is left shaking her head at the unnecessary trouble caused by Uncle Podger’s stubbornness and overconfidence.
The Aftermath:
The story concludes with a humorous reflection on Uncle Podger’s character. It’s clear that he is oblivious to the trouble he causes and is entirely satisfied with his own abilities, despite all evidence to the contrary. The narrator humorously suggests that this isn’t the first time something like this has happened and implies that Uncle Podger is a man who routinely turns simple tasks into grand, complicated operations.
Themes and Style:
"Uncle Podger Hangs a Picture" is a brilliant example of Jerome K. Jerome’s use of humor and satire to critique human nature, particularly the type of overconfidence and self-assuredness that leads to unnecessary complications. The story pokes fun at people who insist on doing things themselves, often to the detriment of everyone involved. The exaggerated, slapstick nature of Uncle Podger’s antics is what makes the story so memorable and entertaining.
Jerome’s writing style is marked by its wit and irony, as he describes the chaotic scene in great detail, allowing readers to vividly imagine the spectacle of Uncle Podger’s failed attempts. The story’s humor is both situational and character-driven, making it a timeless piece of comedic literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Definition of a Gentleman by John Henry Cardinal Newman
The concept of a gentleman originated from the idea of noble birth, implying a person of upper-class lineage. However, over time, the term "gentleman" came to describe not only one's birth but also their refined behavior in polite society.
Cardinal Newman's Definition
Cardinal Newman offers a profound definition of a gentleman: "One who never inflicts pain." This description is both refined and accurate, capturing the essence of a true gentleman. Such an individual carefully avoids causing discomfort, offense, or tension in social interactions. They are considerate, gentle, and merciful, making everyone in their company feel at ease.
Good Manners and the True Gentleman
Good manners are essential for a gentleman, but they can sometimes be insincere. However, when accompanied by a kindly heart, they become a virtue. The essence of good manners lies in consideration for others' feelings. As someone aptly put it, "Good manners are the surface of religion," highlighting the connection between politeness and unselfishness.
The True Gentleman's Character
A true gentleman is a person of fine character, with politeness and courtesy stemming from a good heart. They instinctively prioritize others' feelings, comfort, and happiness above their own. This selflessness is the hallmark of a true gentleman.
Nature's Gentlemen
Remarkably, true gentlemen can be found among all social classes, even among the poor. Though they may not have learned the rules of etiquette, their kind words and actions reveal their gentle nature. These individuals are, in fact, "God's own gentlemen."
Forgetting : Robert Lynd
In his thought-provoking essay "Forgetting", Robert Lynd explores the phenomenon of forgetting and its significance in human life. Lynd acknowledges that forgetting is a natural and frequent occurrence, where individuals forget names, faces, locations, and significant events.
Causes and Benefits of Forgetting
Lynd examines the causes of forgetting, including the passage of time, fading memory, and the prioritization of certain memories over others. He also argues that forgetting is not always undesirable, as it can be a form of mental purification, allowing individuals to let go of unpleasant memories and make room for new ones.
Selective Forgetting
The essay touches on selective forgetting, where individuals choose to forget certain memories or events to protect themselves emotionally. Lynd explores how people often suppress painful or traumatic memories as a form of self-preservation.
Tone and Reflection
Lynd's writing is characterized by its contemplative and introspective tone, reflecting on the dual nature of forgetting. He acknowledges both the benefits and drawbacks of forgetting, emphasizing its integral role in the human experience. Forgetting allows individuals to navigate life's complexities and maintain their mental well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lynd's essay "Forgetting" offers a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted aspects of forgetting. Through thoughtful reflection, Lynd highlights forgetting's cleansing effect, its role in emotional protection, and its contribution to the human mind's overall functioning.
The Gift of the Magi : O. Henry
"The Gift of the Magi" is a heartwarming short story by O. Henry that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving. The story is set in the early 1900s, just before Christmas, and focuses on a young married couple, Jim and Della Dillingham Young, who are poor but deeply in love.
Opening
The story begins with Della sobbing quietly in their modest apartment. She has been scrimping and saving for months, but she has only managed to save $1.87. This is all she has to buy her husband, Jim, a Christmas present. She is distraught because she desperately wants to give Jim something worthy of him. The couple lives in poverty, and their situation has worsened recently. Jim’s salary has been reduced to $20 a week, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Della sits down and looks at herself in the mirror, thinking about her two prized possessions: her long, cascading hair, which reaches below her knees, and Jim’s gold pocket watch, which has been passed down through generations in his family. These two items are the only valuable things they own, and Della treasures Jim’s watch as much as she treasures her own hair.
Della's Sacrifice
Determined to give Jim a gift that will reflect her love for him, Della suddenly has an idea. She rushes out of the apartment and heads to Madame Sofronie’s Hair Goods shop. There, she makes the painful decision to sell her hair for $20. Madame Sofronie, a rather indifferent woman, cuts off Della’s hair and pays her the money.
With the $20, Della excitedly searches for the perfect gift for Jim. After much searching, she finds it: a beautiful platinum chain for his pocket watch. The chain is elegant and simple, exactly the kind of accessory that would complement Jim’s beloved heirloom. Della buys the chain for $21 and hurries home, thrilled at the thought of Jim’s reaction.
Jim's Arrival
Once back in the apartment, Della begins to worry about Jim’s reaction to her short hair. She tries to style what little hair she has left, hoping that Jim will still find her attractive. She prepares dinner and waits anxiously for Jim to come home.
When Jim finally arrives, he stops short as soon as he sees Della. His expression is one of shock and disbelief, which makes Della panic. She rushes to explain why she cut her hair, assuring him that it will grow back quickly and that she did it to buy him a Christmas present. To her surprise, Jim doesn’t seem upset, but he is still struggling to comprehend what has happened.
After a moment, Jim pulls a package from his coat and gives it to Della. Inside are the beautiful tortoiseshell combs that Della had admired in a shop window for a long time. The combs are adorned with jewels and meant for her long, flowing hair—hair that she no longer has. Della is moved to tears, but she quickly reassures Jim that her hair will grow back and that the combs are a wonderful gift.
The Irony
After a brief moment of sadness, Della presents her gift to Jim—the platinum watch chain. She proudly tells him that she sold her hair to buy it, knowing how much he treasures his watch and that he can now carry it with pride.
However, Jim’s response brings the irony of the situation to light. He smiles and reveals that he no longer has the watch. He sold it to buy Della the beautiful combs. Now, Jim has no watch to attach to the chain, and Della has no hair to use the combs with. Both have sacrificed their most prized possessions to buy something for the other that neither can use.
Conclusion
Despite the apparent futility of their gifts, Jim and Della are not angry or regretful. Instead, they realize that their love for each other is far more valuable than any material possession. The narrator draws a parallel between Jim and Della and the Magi—the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. The Magi’s gifts were wise because they were given with thought and love, just as Jim and Della’s gifts were.
The story ends with the narrator affirming that, despite their circumstances, Jim and Della are the wisest of all gift-givers because they have given each other the most precious thing of all: their selfless love.
Themes and Moral
"The Gift of the Magi" is a tale of love, sacrifice, and generosity. The central theme is that the most valuable gifts are not those that cost the most money but those that come from the heart. Jim and Della’s willingness to give up their most prized possessions for the other demonstrates the depth of their love. Their sacrifices, though seemingly impractical, show that the true spirit of giving lies in the thought and love behind the gesture. O. Henry uses irony masterfully to emphasize the theme. The twist ending—the revelation that each sold what the other’s gift was meant to complement—heightens the emotional impact of their sacrifices. In the end, the story suggests that love and generosity are more valuable than any material possession, and it is these intangible gifts that make life meaningful.
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