George Washington, first president of United States, said famously that “If freedoms of speech are taken away, then we may become dumb and silent, like sheep to be slaughtered” (Washington). The higher intellectual classes often exploit the lower-educated workers to provide labour. This is demonstrated in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Animal Farm is an allegory about the Russian Revolution. Orwell, however, demonstrates more how the educated working classes can be easily controlled by the more intelligent population. After the animals have worked together to overthrow Jones, the farm owner, they quickly agreed to create rules that ensure all animals are equal. Napoleon, a symbol of Joseph Stalin, gave seven commands to his pigs that they follow. Only pigs have the ability to read and retain these commandments. The result of pigs’ higher intelligence is that they reap the benefits of other animals’ hard work and enjoy the luxuries. Orwell’s Animal Farm novel shows how class stratification is caused by a naive and ignorant population. The first is the inability of the animal to think critically and to question authority, which allows them to make quick decisions. Squealer, Napoleon’s friend, is able to use the animal’s inability to recall false history and propaganda. The pigs’ incompetence at reading gives them the ability to trick the people with written words and laws. To effectuate social change, it is necessary to challenge and oppose authority.
One problem is refusing to question authority and analyze information. This theme is repeated throughout the novel by many characters. Boxer is a loyal, hardworking horse who believes Napoleon is working for all animals’ interests and refuses any inquiry about Napoleon’s decisions. Boxer initially doesn’t agree with Napoleon’s claim that another pig was no better than a criminal when Napoleon lies to him (Orwell 36). Instead of trying to dispute Napoleon’s claims, Boxer justifies his actions by believing that Napoleon is always right and this seemed to be a sufficient solution to all problems (41). Boxer refuses investigation and scrutiny of Napoleon’s orders. This causes him mindlessly to labour for Napoleon, without any compensation. Another example that animals don’t challenge sovereignty is when pigs reveal how food is distributed. While the working class struggled for food, the “brainworkers”, pigs, enjoyed luxury and comfort. Squealer openly admits to this inequity when confronted. [. . .] Science has proven that apples and milk contain essential substances for the health of a pig. We drink milk and we eat the apples because of your kindness” (23). The animals trust that this is best for everyone, despite this absurd explanation. They are compelled to believe that Napoleon’s leadership represents equality because they have been stubbornly convinced that this is the case. Clover, a horse that recognizes their original vision of animal equal rights has gone wrong, is Clover. Despite her realization, Clover doesn’t want to challenge Napoleon. She will continue to be faithful, work hard and follow the orders given to her. Yet, she and the rest of the animals struggled and hoped for something better. (59). Clover’s failures as a speaker and debater against Napoleon allow the pigs to continue oppression of working class people without opposition. They are totally unaware of their circumstances without Clover. They are vulnerable to being exploited because they believe that the governing animal is only interested in the welfare of the whole population. Napoleon’s lies are made easier by animals’ inept memory. He makes false histories that animals believe because they don’t know the truth. Squealer creates fabricated statistics that help animals see the signs of deterioration in their lives. Squealer answers any animal complaining of starvation with the following:
Production of all food products had increased by two hundred%, three hundred%, or five hundred%” (61). The animals believed him despite this apparent lie (61-62). Squealer’s falsehoods are believed to be correct by the animals, who can no longer recall the past living conditions. This makes it easier for the pigs to maintain their advantage in the resource-splitting game. Later, Squealer attempts denigrate Snowball’s (another porc) reputation. The animals faintly recall Snowball’s valiant fight against Farmer Jones. Squealer was praised. Squealer immediately rebuts these thoughts, declaring that he had tried to defeat us at the Battle of the Cowshed (53). Squealer then recounts his fictional battle that glorifies Napoleon’s efforts. “When Squealer described it so graphically, the animals thought they remembered it” (54). Squealer once again uses his inability to accurately recall the past or record history to mislead the people into obedience. Finally, the pigs can change the seven basic commandments to their benefit, since the animals are incapable of remembering what they were originally saying. Clover remembers the prohibition against beds (15) when the pigs start to sleep in their beds. Clover, however, recalls Squealer telling her that the commandment reads “No animal may sleep in any bed that has sheets” (45). Because of their impaired memory, the pigs are able to modify the law to suit their needs. Multiple laws can be amended to allow pigs to enjoy alcohol and wear clothes that were previously prohibited. The pigs then use propaganda and fake history to make the animals forget their history.
A pig’s inability to comprehend the language of other animals allows them to manipulate the population with ambiguity. This is clearly shown when the pigs distort the meanings of the basic commandments in order to benefit themselves. The pigs rewrite the original commandment that “All animals should be equal” to say “All animals should be equal, but some animals are better than others” (90). The pigs can continue to exploit the animals despite this contradiction and flaw. The animals are unable to recognize that the term “equal”, as it is commonly used, does not have a meaning. The pigs are unable to read and write so they can justify their actions and create an aristocracy. Napoleon arranges to have Boxer killed for alcohol in return. Boxer is unable to read what was written on the truck when it arrives. Dealer in Hides and Bone Meal (82). Squealer informs the animals that the truck belongs to a veterinarian surgeon when rumors start to circulate about the contents. The animals are unable to identify the words, so they can’t validly accuse the pigs. Later, Snowball is made to appear guilty by the pigs who produce fake documents accusing him. The animals cannot decipher the letters, so they must believe what the pigs say. The animals initially seem incredulous at this accusation. But after Squealer explains how Snowball had all of it “written down in secret documents that were found [.] . .] If you could read it, I would be able to show you the contents of this declaration in my own handwriting.” (54). The pigs are able to easily produce evidence that can be used to support any claim without the need to verify the declaration. Because the animal is not proficient in reading and writing, the pigs exploit and deceive every other animal.
Animal Farm shows that class stratification may be the result of an exploitation-prone working class. Animals don’t oppose or criticize decisions made in the story. This leads to an unequal distribution for resources. To ensure compliance, the pigs are able to misinform the animals by using propaganda because of their poor memory.
The animals’ low literacy levels make it difficult for them to challenge written laws and articles. Orwell points out that equality can only come about if there is an educated community.
