Q.O.D.-Allegory

An allegory is basically a literature device that uses a poem or even a picture to reveal a hidden meaning behind something. In simpler words, an allegory is a form of symbolism. Power is a form of allegory, as power can be interpreted differently and used differently be those who have power, in a moral or political form. Additionally, as seen throughout Animal Farm, more specifically, power is commonly seen being used in a corrupt manner by Napoleon (Joseph Stalin), while the Seven Commandments describe power as being equally diverse amongst the animals to allow equality within society. 

Animal Farm-Theme

The theme I have chosen is that "In society, individuals are not treated equally." With this theme, the most prominent character is Napoleon, along with the clan of pigs. For example, in chapter three, the pigs and primarily Napoleon "steal" the apples, as those are the special food required for the pigs. The pigs "need" the apples because they are in control of the farm and without the apples, Mr. Jones would come back, since the farm would not be running smoothly. Squealer believes this to be the reason and the other animals are afraid to say anything, because they do not want Mr. Jones back and therefore go along with the idea of Squealer's explanation. This example additionally portrays ignorance for the other animals, as they do not understand or know what is occurring around them in these certain situations.

Another example demonstrating inequality amongst society is the right to vote given to each of the animals. Napoleon, being the tyrant and corrupt leader as he is, takes away the right to vote from the animals and ONLY allows the pigs to make the decisions. The animals, however, were extremely upset and angry, but since they were afraid to speak up and essentially dumbfounded, the animals did not speak up for what they believe in and were lost on what to say. Napoleon created a society that is highly biased towards the pigs and gives them the overall rights and power, compared to the rest of the animals on this farm. From Napoleon's usage of power, this example additionally displays Napoleon's corruptness and sincerely showcases how he is misusing the power just for himself and the pigs of his type, like a dictator. With Manor Farm being run by Napoleon, the leader, society is highly unequal to the animals and primarily focuses on the pigs to make the right decisions and have the special food, as they are the "brains" of the society. With this, Napoleon has begun to misuse his power and  no longer wishes well for the rest of the society. From the animals perspective, each and every one, except the pigs and Napoleon, is treated like a slave and put to work without an ounce of respect left. The society created under this leadership is highly unequal.

Exploratory Writing-Squealer's Speech

In chapter 5, Squealer explains to the animals the views of Napoleon. "No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would only be too happy to let you make your decision for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where will you be?" 

As one of the animals on the farm, my first instinct is the fact that Squealer brings up one of the most important and primary commandments out of the Seven Commandments: all animals are equal. Napoleon believes that each animal has a right for their own say and decision, that all animals make their own decisions for themselves. However, if he believes in letting all of us have our own rights to freedom of speech and action, why does he believe that our decisions could be wrong? Why does he believe that our decisions can harm us and lead to our ultimate downfall? Where will we be? Napoleon believes that if any one of us animals is a weak link, and messes up a wise decision, our society could be ruined and our chances of ultimately reaching our goal and approving Old Major's wishes on Manor Farm will be blocked. 

However, If Napoleon had the ultimate trust and belief in each one of us animals, he should not have the right to question our own authorities for ourselves. Why are his decisions "right" or "correct", while our decisions are "wrong" and can ultimately hurt us? Napoleon, in a sense, is being quite ironic, by believing that we, the animals, have our own rights to make our own choices, yet our choices are not the greatest for our community. Though Napoleon's views are not to be messed with, having the faith and trust in his own "comrades" should be given, as he is the leader and has trained us to be loyal under certain situations. 

The Qualities of a Good Leader

In the novel Animal Farm, intelligence, identified in and by the pigs, is the primary qualification for leadership. However, leadership cannot be determined primarily be intelligence. Intelligence is a term for someone who is smart and has the ability to acquire knowledge and skills. Though an intelligent one can acquire knowledge and skills, applying them in terms of leadership is a different task at hand. Now, what are the tasks for a good leader? A leader is not only someone who is able to successfully lead a group of people to victory in a battle or even be the boss at all times. A leader is someone who is respectful to each individual and thinks not of each man for himself, but rather values the idea of community and strong views of others. Letting each and every person's voice be heard is a plus for the community, as the leader has a clear vision and picture on how their society should run and what aspects should be involved to make the community a strong, bound-together extended-family. For example, you can view leadership as a painting. The "intelligence" is the plan for the painting: acquiring the knowledge and skills is similar to gathering materials and creating a plan. The actual result of the painting is the masterpiece: a community created with a strong leadership. Each and every color on the painting represents a person's thoughts, views, and opinions. With the array of rainbow colors comes the strength, found in a leader.

For our Animal Farm Society group challenge, our leader was chosen on three main qualities: responsibility, understanding, and willing to take order and contribute to our society. With responsibility comes respect and intelligence. One who is responsible enough realizes how to treat others and form a harmonious union of people, while still bringing order to the community. The term "understanding" not only means to be comprehensive, but to actually apply that understanding knowledge and be able to mend any issues found in our society. Lastly, but certainly one of the most important, comes willing to be a LEADER. When someone has the intentions of being a leader, they must contribute their efforts to actually getting their job and role done. Our leader was willing to be a leader and wanted to help our society to be as successful as possible, caring about each and every member of our group. Being a leader is no easy task, but having the courage and motive to be a leader gets you halfway there.