How does George Orwell use a ‘fairy story’ to criticise the Russian Revolution and its subsequent developments in the novel 'Animal Farm'?
...ution seems somewhat more dramatic than the actual events that had taken place. Also while using this technique; he has made fun of the political climate. For example, Stalin, the cruel dictator of Russia at the time is represented by Napoleon, a ruthless leader who believes in the pure superiority of his kind. He is shown in the form of a pig. Not all of Orwell’s characters are used as objects of mock humour but are representations of specific figures and groups during the time. Orwell has represented his and Karl Marx’s ideas and position through a donkey called Benjamin, an overlooked character in the novel. Benjamin foresees the terror that is about to take place in the farm but keeps it to himself, quietly watching what he predicts unfold over time. Another significant representation in the book is a hard-working and determined horse called Boxer, who portrays the working class that believe that Stalin is their saviour and will make better lives for them so they work hard and believe every word said. In the novel, he is also portrayed as a strong character, who has the power and credibility to overthrow the pigs, but instead supports them. Another important feature of this novel is that it is written as a fable; which supplies a hidden warning to the people of Russia. The novel is not a direct confrontation to the government, but a subtle one as to not put the author in any danger. Although not specific, Orwell has used this novel to criticise the government and show, or prove his ideas that there can never be a perfect world where everyone man is equal to the one beside him. Orwell uses simple and clear, yet powerful English to emphasise his ideas and communicate directly to his audience, without making his ideas too obvious to the government. He has communicated his story through the form of a fairy tale; a fable. In this form he is able to disguise his opinions through a simple ‘children’s book’. Through doing this, Orwell has taken a post-modern approach to story-writing by going against the mainstream and mocking writers who use formal and complicated English to communicate. ...