English Cluster FALL 2012 ESSAY #2

 

Briana Regalado  Letter

 Dear residents of Animal Farm, Thou shalt rejoice over the revolution thou have fought to uphold! Although it gives me great joy to hear about this marvelous plan, unfortunately it was ruined by a few of our “fellow compadres”. First and foremost, the origins of the revolution began with Old Major’s wise tellings of the old days and how man has slowly destroyed our land. With his guidance and solemn strength, we animals were able to rise against our master, Farmer Jones, and bring him down below our level. The aftermath of the revolution was dimwittedly ruined by many of our comrades. I shall discuss the two leaders who majorly ruined the revolution, commencing with Napoleon. 

 Napoleon is a powerful character. He is very demeaning, manipulative, and disturbingly corrupted. Napoleon’s part in the downfall of the revolution was never shedding a single drop of sweat to cooperate in any contribution to the revolution. Instead, he accomplished deeds for his own sake. He was also very cruel, such as when he confiscated Jessie and Bluebell’s pups. “He took them up into a loft which could only be reached by a ladder from the harness-room, and kept them in such seclusion than the rest of the farm soon forgot their existence” (Orwell, 35). This selfish act was done for his benefit to destroy the farm and the animals. He was lazy, bullied the other animals and educated himself rather than aid the others in understanding the commandments of the new farm. His manipulation and constant lying to the animals made him a corrupt leader. Unfortunately, many animals believed in his word, for example, when Boxer states, “Napoleon is always right” (Orwell, 61). These poor animals confided in you, and you let them down miserably. It is shameful that Napoleon tricked all of you. Nonetheless, Napoleon’s lack of belief in the revolution all the while was more than enough to wreck a marvelous opportunity to reach the goals of the revolution. Of course he is not the only character who destroyed the revolution. 

Squealer is the other sort that aided the fall of the revolution. He is of the manipulative type. Squealer definitely lived up to his name. He used his smarts to get the other uneducated animals confused, really confused. Squealer always turned the words of the other pigs around for his better judgment, as well as using his knowledge and vocabulary to manipulate the lesser educated animals. For instance when Napoleon sent him to explain odd circumstances that occurred in the farm, when really Napoleon and Squealer were making misfits. “You do not imagine I hope that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege” (Orwell, 35). Squealer made up ridiculous excuses to cover up any crude acts being done by Napoleon or himself in order to save themselves. This was very cruel and it is one of the reasons why the animals were misled by the pigs. In turn, they confused you all and were not available to help any comrade understand the revolution and its benefits. Squealer did not aid anyone. His role was diminishing and confusing the other animals by falsifying certain facts about the revolution such as changing the words of the commandments or changing Napoleon’s words so the animals will be on his side. Speech holds a vast amount of power. Squealer always took advantage of his manipulative words, which made him not trustworthy. 

 In other words, both Napoleon and Squealer were two of the major downfalls of the revolution. What do I think they should change to produce a more positive outcome? I suggest that the pigs work with each other and with the other animals on the farm to bring about a better revolution. Trust is lacking among the animals. The recipe for a successful revolution requires trust. Instead of only educating yourselves, switching the other’s words, and confusing the less intelligent animals, you all should work together. Teamwork is the key to any successful project whether it be building a corporate building or starting a revolution. Take this into consideration and your revolution would come out very successful! 

 Luck be with you, Briana Regalado

    George Orwell, 1945, Animal Farm