How does Animal Farm function as a political novel?

Animal Farm functions as a dystopian novel as it shows a society that starts with good intentions but turns into a nightmare. The animals overthrow the humans hoping for equality, but soon the pigs, especially Napoleon, become tyrannical. The initial utopian dream of a fair and equal animal - run farm is shattered. There is oppression, misinformation, and the common animals are exploited, much like in a typical dystopian society where the ideals are perverted.

Animal Farm functions as a historical novel by using the story of the animals on the farm to represent historical events. It mainly reflects the Russian Revolution and the early days of the Soviet Union. For example, the pigs taking over the farm can be seen as a parallel to the Bolsheviks coming to power. The changing commandments on the barn wall are like the changing political ideologies and propaganda during that time in history.

Animal Farm is an allegorical novel as it uses animals to represent different elements in society. For example, the pigs stand for the ruling class. They manipulate the other animals, just like how the powerful in society can use their position to control the masses. The events on the farm, like the power struggles and the changing of the commandments, mirror the political upheavals and corruption in human society.

In Animal Farm as a political novel, the main political themes include totalitarianism. Napoleon's rule over the farm becomes increasingly totalitarian. He uses fear, violence, and propaganda to maintain his power. Another theme is the loss of ideals. The animals had the ideal of a fair and equal society at the start of the revolution, but this is gradually eroded by the pigs' self - serving actions. Additionally, the theme of false consciousness is there. The other animals are made to believe that the pigs' actions are for their own good, when in fact they are being exploited, much like how in political systems, the masses can be made to accept an unjust situation through false ideological indoctrination.

It shows political aspects through the relationships of its characters. For example, the different ideologies of the characters reflect the political divide in the society at that time.

It offers a deep exploration of political themes and issues through the story of characters and their experiences.

Symbolism in Animal Farm is extensive. Orwell uses the character of Old Major as a symbol of the initial revolutionary idea. He plants the seed of rebellion in the animals' minds. The pigs' transformation from comrades to dictators is symbolized by their changing behavior and appearance. For instance, they start walking on two legs like humans. The milk and apples that the pigs take for themselves symbolize the perks and privileges that the ruling class often appropriates for themselves. The animals' different reactions to these symbols show how a society can be divided and manipulated.

The ending of Animal Farm is quite bleak. The pigs become indistinguishable from the humans they once opposed, and the ideals of the revolution are betrayed.

The graphic novel has pictures while the original text doesn't. The pictures in the graphic novel can help readers visualize the story better.

The story ends with the pigs becoming just like the humans they once rebelled against, showing that power corrupts and the cycle of oppression continues.