Primitivity and Ignorance As The Main Aspects of Life on "Animal Farm"

In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the farm’s country setting is prominent throughout the entire novel. Yet, the idea of how the farm is run changes aspects as the novel progresses. The setting of the farm soon turns into what is known to be a totalitarian regime. Although many writers would use the farm setting as one of peace and virtue, the farm of Orwell is one of primitivism and ignorance.

Throughout the early stages of the novel, Orwell’s farm is considered one of peace. After the overthrowing of Farmer Jones, peace is instilled around the farm. Although the times are rough, overall happiness is observed throughout the rule of Snowball. “The flag was green, Snowball explained, to represent the green fields of England, while the hoof and horn signified the future Republic of the Animals which would arise when the human race had been finally overthrown”. The work cut out for the animals ahead was the idea of mainly the intellectual farm animals. Snowball, being at the head of the pigs, was the one who truly felt peace and prosperity for a while. For the other animals, primitivity was still the main feeling of the farm. Long hours of work and reasonably little amounts of food were what fueled the animals. The idea that they were still animals that needed to work hard was still present in the farm, despite Snowball’s leadership.” He did his work in the same slow obstinate way as he had done it in Jones’s time, never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either. About the Rebellion and its results, he would express no opinion. When asked whether he was not happier now that Jones was gone, he would say only ‘Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey,’ and the others had to be content with this cryptic answer “. The idea that the farm hasn’t changed even after the rebellion is present in the character of Benjamin. He understands the primitive side of animal nature, and how animals will never escape this primitivity for as long as they live.

The farm’s country setting promotes the idea of virtue and well-being through hard work and dedication. Yet on Animal Farm, the animals work hard yet find no well-being. Instead, their work goes into matters that they are unaware of. On a normal farm, ignorance is a trait of animals, because they are animals. However, in Animal Farm, Orwell personifies the feelings and traits of these animals. The animals are aware of what is around them, yet ignorant of the inner workings of the farm itself. Ignorance is present throughout the entire novel to all animals except for Napoleon. For the animals, ignorance is forced upon them through the rule of Napoleon. “Napoleon abolished the Meetings raised their voices timidly, but they were promptly silenced by a tremendous growling from the dogs”. Napoleon’s actions to abolish the only way the animals received information just strengthens his grip on the mind of the animals. “Boxer passed it off as usual with ‘Napoleon is always right!’, but Clover, who thought she remembered a definite ruling against beds”. Making sure all animals are ignorant of the actions of the pigs, Napoleon is able to get away with whatever he wants. And because of the disconnection of knowledge the animals are able to receive, what once seemed like the truth can easily be changed. Without question, Napoleon’s rule is always right.

The country setting of Animal Farm is one that promotes dedication and hard work, however, the outcome of both is unknown to the workers. The idea that hard work and dedication will lead to virtue and well-being is also disregarded on the farm of Napoleon. Instead, primitivity and ignorance are the main aspects of life on Animal Farm. With the total rule of Napoleon, the values of Animal Farm are no different from those possessed by Manor Farm.

Cite this page