When George Orwell published Animal Farm in 1945, he delivered a sharp and enduring critique of political power, totalitarianism and propaganda. The short novel, written as a fable, used farm animals to symbolise the corruption of revolutionary ideals and the dangers of authoritarian rule. Nearly eight decades later, it remains one of the most widely read and discussed works of twentieth-century English literature.
A fable with sharp political teeth
Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, set the story on a farm where animals overthrow their human owner, seeking equality and freedom. However, the pigs who assume leadership gradually replicate the same injustices they had rebelled against, exposing how revolutionary rhetoric can mask tyranny. The famous line “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” has since become shorthand for political hypocrisy.
Wartime censorship and delayed publication
Although Orwell completed the book in 1944, British publishers hesitated to release it. At the time, the Soviet Union was an ally of Britain during the Second World War, and many feared that openly criticising Stalin’s regime would harm diplomatic relations. Multiple publishers rejected the manuscript before it finally appeared in August 1945, just after the war ended. Its release was timely, coinciding with growing Western unease about Soviet intentions in Europe.
Reception and global impact
Animal Farm was an immediate commercial success, resonating with readers who had witnessed the devastation of war and were wary of unchecked political power. It was translated into dozens of languages and became a cornerstone of Cold War cultural debates. In the United States, it was widely promoted as an anti-Soviet allegory, while in the Soviet bloc the book was banned. The story’s accessibility – told through simple prose and allegorical characters – helped it reach audiences far beyond the usual literary circles.
Legacy and relevance today
Alongside Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell’s later dystopian novel, Animal Farm cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s most significant political writers. The book continues to be taught in schools and remains a touchstone in discussions about propaganda, authoritarianism and the fragility of democratic ideals. Its allegorical power has ensured that each generation finds new relevance in the tale, whether in debates about political corruption, populism or media manipulation.
A timeless warning
For Orwell, Animal Farm was more than satire; it was a warning about the betrayal of revolutionary hopes and the human tendency to concentrate power. His work continues to resonate not only as literature but as a mirror to contemporary politics. In the modern world, where misinformation and power struggles remain ever-present, Orwell’s farm animals still remind readers of the perils of blind loyalty and the erosion of truth.
REFH – Newshub, 17 August 2025
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