"Animal Farm" and "1984": Comparison of George Orwell’s Notable Novels

Introduction

In this essay, I will perform a comparison of George Orwell's two renowned books, '1984' and 'Animal Farm.' Furthermore, I will argue that '1984' holds greater relevance in our modern society, which, in my opinion, is heading towards a future that closely aligns with the principles of Ingsoc while disregarding Orwell's warnings.

Animal Farm and 1984: a comparison

'Animal Farm' and '1984' share several commonalities. The progression of events in 'Animal Farm' is more straightforward, rendering the storyline easier to comprehend. Conversely, '1984' portrays a complex and intricate society, necessitating a more nuanced explanation. One can draw parallels between the forms of government depicted in both books, as they both feature tightly controlled totalitarian states led by a small but influential minority. While 'Animal Farm' predominantly criticizes socialism, '1984' explores totalitarianism through the lens of far-right ideologies such as Nazism.

The characters in '1984' and 'Animal Farm' exhibit significant similarities. The most apparent parallel can be drawn between Big Brother and Napoleon. Both characters serve as the leaders of their respective parties, employing totalitarian measures to maintain power and attributing misfortunes to scapegoats tailored to fit their narratives. Winston and Squealer also share numerous similarities. They both manipulate and distort the truth to uphold the political power of their superiors. Although Squealer lacks the deep-rooted hatred for the state that Winston possesses, they perform similar functions in their professional lives. Additionally, Snowball and Goldstein exemplify how both governments utilize scapegoats to shift blame instead of taking responsibility for their own mistakes. Orwell deliberately employs the name Goldstein, which carries anti-Semitic undertones in '1984,' while Snowball is portrayed as a fellow pig. This subtle distinction highlights the fundamentally different nature of the totalitarian states depicted in the novels.

Language serves as a tool for controlling the thoughts of citizens in both societies. In '1984,' this concept is known as 'newspeak.' Big Brother aims to limit thought within his society, preventing unorthodox thinking and rendering it impossible to deviate from the party's doctrines. While to a lesser extent, 'Animal Farm' also utilizes abbreviated messages to cater to the less intelligent animals, potentially yielding similar effects as Big Brother's newspeak.

In my opinion, '1984' holds greater relevance in today's society for three key reasons. Firstly, the emergence of mass surveillance, particularly in China and London, where artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes human behavior through mass data collection via surveillance cameras and social media. Secondly, the ongoing domestic and international wars spearheaded by the United States. These perpetual conflicts resemble the endless wars depicted in '1984.' Finally, the increasing fusion of technology, AI, and biogenetic engineering, along with extensive data collection through biometric sensors, presents a future where corporations and governments possess the ability to manipulate individuals, make decisions on their behalf, and potentially control and engineer life itself. Such advancements challenge the illusion of free will that currently exists in our society, granting powerful entities control over people's minds.

America's war on terror and war on drugs have resulted in Orwellian outcomes, not only within the United States but also globally. The war on drugs has led to mass incarceration, with a significant number of inmates serving sentences for drug offenses. Similar to traditional warfare, the war on drugs creates a common enemy, uniting people against it, much like Big Brother's justification for perpetual war. The war on terror has comparable consequences, affording the U.S. government a moral high ground to justify the torture and execution of not only terrorists but also civilian populations worldwide.

'Animal Farm' and '1984' offer a framework for analyzing society, illuminating the failures of the Russian Revolution and serving as cautionary tales about the potential transformation of seemingly positive ideals into totalitarian systems of power. While we must not impede societal progress, it is essential to employ this analytical framework to steer society toward benefiting the masses rather than consolidating power among the already privileged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Orwell's '1984' carries greater relevance in our modern society due to its depiction of mass surveillance, perpetual wars, and the potential erosion of free will through technological advancements. By critically analyzing both '1984' and 'Animal Farm,' we can gain insights into the pitfalls of societal developments and strive for a future that safeguards the well-being of the majority.

Bibliography

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