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Summary: Animal Farm Review for Honors English 10 by George Tobias
Review: Are totalitarian dictators pigs? George Orwell, the author of Animal Farm, believes they are. Animal Farm is a satire that attacks totalitarianism and Communism. The book was brilliantly realized and intelligent. Orwell made all the right stylistic choices, such as using pigs to represent Stalin and Trotsky, and the simplicity of the story conveyed Orwell's anti-Communist stance well. The simplicity of the characters prevented one from getting too attached to the characters, but it was necessary since the book is an allegory. Though most of the characters were stereotypical, I did like several of them and even felt emotion at the death of one. I liked Benjamin, the quiet cynical one. I liked it when he said that after the rebellion things shall go on as they always have, "that is badly." I was also sad when Boxer died, because Boxer had pure intentions and innocence, which turned out to help cause his downfall. It was saddening to see Boxer taken advantage of by Napoleon even though he wanted to do the right thing. I really disliked Napoleon since he was corrupt and he made all the other animals suffer. I also felt frustration when the illiterate animals let Napoleon take advantage of them. Overall, the book was quite humorous and enjoyable, but most importantly, the humor had a purpose. For example, the way that the pigs amended the commandments was rather humorous. The final line of the book, in which the author comments that the pigs and humans cannot be told apart, was funny and powerful; it made the ultimate insult to Stalin and his followers by saying that they were pigs. I really liked the book, but certain things were ambiguous. I was confused as to whether the people who were executed had actually committed the crimes they confessed to, and if they had not committed the crimes, then why would they have confessed? Though certain parts were confusing, I learned about Russian history since all the events were simplified. I would like to read other books by George Orwell; he is a supremely talented author and social critic. I would also recommend this book to friends. So, are totalitarian dictators pigs? Animal Farm, by George Orwell, certainly makes a compelling case that they are.
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Summary: Animal Farm Rules!!
Review: Have you ever read a story about the battle between animals and humans on a man named Mr. Jones' farm? Well me, Mike Kasunic? I have!
At the beginning of the novel, I felt excited for the animals because of Old Major's opening speech and the determined revolution that was about to be led. I felt as though the animals were a minority that needed freedom, just like many ethnic groups throughout the world. As the story advanced, I started to feel uneasy towards Napoleon and Squealer, his faithful companion. As soon as rules started changing, I felt sympathy and anxiety for the lesser animals of Animal Farm, for they could not realize what was going on and they were rather helpless. I think that George Orwell does a great job of twisting your perspective on certain characters and also on basic human emotions, such as fear, greed, or sadness.
My favorite character was Clover, because she was an important part in the disbelief of Napoleon's tyrannical statements, which were directed through Squealer of course. She was also a very caring creature, this was expressed heavily during Boxer's struggle. Clover was the most morally sane character, without her there would be no opposition to Napoleon's scheme. Even though Boxer had second thoughts, he couldn't allow himself to believe that Napoleon would do any wrong doing to his own "followers", the fellow animals.
I thought that this book was very easy to follow, which happens to be very pleasant after the allegorical and epic poems we have been studying lately. The character introduction is wonderful, all the while remaining simple and straightforward. The only thing I disliked about Animal Farm was partially what made me love it. Although I loved the simple structure of Animal Farm, sometimes the writing was very bland. Although it the writing wasn't too interesting at times, the plot moved very fast which kept me very attentive. I finished the novel in one sitting because of the way it pulls you in.
I applaud George Orwell for his courage in writing this novel during times of struggle and danger. He did a great job of satirizing the totalitarian movement and explained a lot about how the tyranny came into place.
After reading through this book, It taught me much more about the totalitarian government and how it came into power. It also taught me a lot about the use of satires and allegories in stories, which are both present throughout the novel.
Although the ending of Animal Farm was predictable if you have any common sense, it was perfectly executed in the sense that it was just a never-ending cycle, the cycle of a revolution. Even though it was seen coming, the ending was still shocking for me and almost disturbing in a way. How could somebody live that way? Apparently greed and power can overcome some people more than others.
George Orwell does a concise job with the execution of Animal Farm, leaving me with no confusion. The book was perfectly thorough while remaining as simple as can be. I would definitely recommend this to a friend, but it is highly recommended to have some knowledge of 20th century totalitarianism before reading.
I am planning on checking out some of George Orwell's books in the near future. I think he has a great style and purpose with his writing. Books like Animal Farm and 1984 will never be forgotten, they are classics. I would enjoy reading more satires about the political struggles of his time.
Whether you are interested in reading a book about a band of animals taking over a farm or the satiric totalitarian story that lies beneath the letters, then Animal Farm is for you. Just about any age group can find enjoyment in this novel, understanding the deeper meaning or not.
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Summary: Long Live Animal Farm
Review: One of the greatest works of literature of all time was definitely Animal Farm. The use of all the different literary devices from the allegory and satire, to the use of certain names to convey the characters actions was definitely a strong aspect of this story. My overall feelings while I read the book were mostly a feeling of surprise, as each event would lead up to the next one, never really stopping to give a lot of information on settings, at least not all at once. They did a great job to diverse the information on the setting, only giving it to you when it was necessary. The main part of my feelings fell into the book when they talked of the bond between the animals as a whole, each one helping the others to complete the work and almost having the unity that a family would.
The characters were the greatest part of the book, though each one was clever in its own way, they all had the same general feel that they each were trying to make you part of the story and trying to teach you exactly what they thought you should. Of the characters though, the best one was Benjamin. The smartest of all the animals on the farm, he was the only one that saw what was going on throughout the book, though never told anyone. Each time a rule was changed, he noticed it. And when they took Boxer in the glue truck, Benjamin was the first to notice it, and tried to warn him before they took him. I must definitely give a huge standing ovation to the author, for not only making an interesting book to read, yet equating it to Russia's Communist and Totalitarian government and teaching us of this time period. Though the ending was slightly less catchy than the rest of the book, it was still well thought and showed everything that it was meant to show, the leader of the government taking all the credit and profit for himself, becoming a 'Fat Pig'. There was one thing however, that throughout the book perplexed me to no end. Benjamin was always out of the way, never really talking to anyone, but had the bond with Boxer. But though he never talked, and noticed all the changes and the wrong doings on the farm, why did he never speak up? Even someone that is completely anti-social would have spoken out against the killings of the innocent and the changing of the Seven Commandments. I would definitely recommend this book to most of my friends, though many of them are science fiction people, so they may not read it. But I would definitely recommend it to them nonetheless. As for reading other books he has written, almost definitely would, considering that I have already read about four of them. I love the style of writing he uses and just can't get enough. And in the words of the 'Leader, Comrade Napoleon', "LONG LIVE ANIMAL FARM!"
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Summary: Animal Farm Review
Review: Author George Orwell writes about a farm taken over by the animals who were once enslaved there by a farmer. Their actions are symbolic of the actions of Russian communists. The most powerful pig in the book, Napoleon, represented Stalin, the Russian leader who killed all those who opposed him. The book is said to be a satire, which is a writing that uses humor and ridicule to expose faults in society with the intention of bringing awareness and change to that aspect of society. If you enjoy political aspects, this book portrays a strong view on Russian communism. If you don't like politics, Animal Farm uses metaphors between humans and animals, there is not a direct, in-your-face political take. While reading the book, I felt wrapped up in an imaginative story relating to historical facts. Orwell ties you in with his plot seemingly about a farm with animals taking charge against the farmer, while in retrospect he was really writing about Russian government. At the end, I was left with a sense of pessimism that all who try to obtain power over others will eventually turn into what they primarily were against. I was also left with a sense of hope that readers of the book will realize mistakes of the past and won't make the mistakes themselves.
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Summary: what i thought of animal farm
Review: Do you ever wonder what would happen if animals could fight for themselves; if they overthrew their masters? Can you imagine what terrible things could happen? Find out in the fantasy Animal Farm by George Orwell.
I learned a lot from this book. I already knew that communism was a bad thing but Orwell really demonstrates illustratively what horrors could surface from such a system. This book, although plagued with symbolism, is an extremely easy read on the exterior, but there is more depth than meets the eye, like the parallels to Russian History at the time the book was published in 1946. This deeper meaning was one of the things I liked about the book; that, and how quickly the story moved along. What I didn't like was the ending, perhaps just because the ending was sad. It left me with a feeling of depression, but it was very accurate in showing how this situation would end if the story were real. However, throughout the first half of the book, when things were looking up for Animal Farm, it was a very exciting read.
My favorite character in the book was the mare, Clover. This horse didn't play such a big part in the beginning, but she demonstrates courage and determination by the end.
Everything was very well explained and it didn't end on a cliffhanger. I would only recommend this book to a friend who would appreciate the symbolism because otherwise everything would go right over his head. I don't think I would read any other books by George Orwell, at least not voluntarily.
It's extremely interesting to see how an actual commune of animals would work. If you think your relatives or friends are pigs, you might change your mind after reading this book.
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Summary: Animal Farm Review for English Bonus Points
Review: If a pig and his animal friends kicked you out of your farm and took it over for themselves, what would you do? Mr. Jones had to face that in the book Animal Farm. In the book, a group of animals rebel against their evil and cruel owner with hopes of a better life. However, they soon learn that it's not the life they hoped for.
I was laughing when I read the last page of the book. I enjoyed how George Orwell described the pigs as looking almost identical to the men. I learned from the ending of the book that revolution is a never ending cycle and that there is no such thing as a perfect life. I thought the ending was very good and it left you thinking on how that relates to real life. I praise George Orwell for his masterful satire based on the events of Russian history up to that point in time.
My favorite character in the book was Squealer. He was a clever and cunning pig whose speech craft and methods of persuasion were flawless. He was Napoleon's propaganda, and was darn good at it. I liked how the book paralleled Russian history perfectly and how it was an allegory using animals instead of Russians. I thought the whole entire concept was genius. Finally, I learned from the book that a dictator government never works no matter how hard someone tries to make it work.
One question that was left unanswered was what happened to the farm after the pigs became identical to the humans. Another question is how the animals could talk in the first place. I would recommend this book to a friend. It was very well written and if you are someone who likes Russian history you will love this book. I will read other books by this author because I love his style of writing. And remember, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
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Summary: More than Just a Farm
Review: When you look at the cover of this novel, you would not think that novel would be any good, since it was based on animals. Orwell did a wonderful job at portaying the animals as Stalin and his soldiers. Throughout the novel there is constant change and nothing is able to stay the same. The more power Napoleon recieves, the worse the animals on the farm are being treated. More and more they are becoming slaves and they do not have enough knowledge to realize this till it is too late. The animals go beyond their dreams and make things happen for themselves. Yet they realize that it takes more then hopes and dreams to fill the farm with crops and their pockets with money. Slowly they loose focus of why the expelled Jones and took control. Napoleon takes control of the farm and unhappiness runs throughout the farms for years. This was a good novel and I would recommend this novel. Yet I wonder how the farm turned out in the years to come after they saw Napoleon and the other pigs walking on two legs and drinking an excess amount of alcohol.
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Summary: Animal farm good, george orwell better
Review: "Four legs good, Two legs bad" the sheep said, but in the end they said, "Four legs good, Two legs BETTER!" This part of animal farm was the ending, but it was also my favorite part. Although you thought this might happen, it still came as a surprise and was a very drastic ending, showing that something like this couldn't work out while so many people were still as greedy as they are. My least favorite characters were also these sheep because of how they were always bleating, even though they didn't understand what they were saying, and ruining any chance to fight against the tyranny of the pigs. This book was very good because all of the easily recognizable allegories, as well as the better hidden ones. Although George Orwell is a very good author, I think he may have been able to do a better job of Communism, and made Animalism closer to it. I think I would both recommend this book to a friend (although they'll already have to read it, and read another book by this author to hear his good storytelling and view his unique perspective. I didn't learn much from this book, but I did see communism in another perspective, although I still think it could work if not for the greedy rulers that came into place.
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Summary: Animal Farm: Fun FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Do you adore adventure? Do you crave for history? If so, then you must donate time to read the enchanting novel, Animal Farm. Animal Farm is masterfully written by George Orwell, writing so grand that it gripped me by the throat and would not let go.
This book is a re-telling of the Russian-Communist history, and it is retold through animals and their rebellious farm. Through this novel, I learnt a great deal about Russian history. I loved every aspect of this novel except for the short length of it. The end was very solid and left me with a feeling of hope for the future, but the end was enjoyable and a bit puzzling, for it leaves you with the question, "is it your body that makes you the animal you are, or is it your actions?"
The characters all represent important figures in Russian history, for example, my least favorite character, Napoleon, is based on Josef Stalin. He was the leader of Animal Farm for most of the book, and he was cruel and arrogant and utterly dogmatic. His bitterness and wicked acts make him terrifying man, or should I say, "pig."
I would recommend this book to anyone who asks, and furthermore, I would read any novel, or any form of literature, by George Orwell. No life can be complete without reading George Orwell's puzzling, yet strangely satisfying Animal Farm.
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Summary: jdm period 5
Review: All world leaders today are pigs. They rule only for themselves, with no thought given to those who elect them. This is probably what Eric Blair, or George Orwell, as he is better known, was thinking when he wrote Animal Farm. And after reading this novel, I too agree with him. During Animal Farm, I was entranced by the creativity of his plot and characters, in relation to the current events of the Russian government at that time. I especially liked reading this book because the book was so full of events happening. Every chapter, in fact, was full of Orwell's interesting plot. When I finished the book, I felt as if I had learned a valuable lesson in life, and that Orwell was definitely knowledgeable in this area. I liked the end of the book, because I think that if this story had actually happened, that would be how it would turn out. My favorite character was probably Boxer, because I respected how he served the cause he felt was important, all the way to his demise. He would always work as hard as possible, and his motto, "I will work harder!" proves it. I think the best part about Animal Farm is how it ran parallel to the events in the Russian government, and especially how Orwell could make them seem like it was a story he had thought up, with the animals being the characters. My praise goes to Orwell for including all the events in Russian history such as the KGB and Trotsky's exile so accurately, and to fit seamlessly into the novel. After reading the book, I came to know of such important events as the rise of Stalin, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the events that took place during Stalin's time of power, such as the numerous executions and exile. A question I had after finishing the book was the whereabouts and the condition of Snowball after his exile. I would without a doubt recommend this book to anyone because of the continuous action, Orwell's amazing creativity, and the depth of the characters contained in the novel. With such an impressive book for his resume, I think it would be safe to say that I would read any of Orwell's other books and be equally entertained by them, as this one has amused me. Animal Farm is by far the best-written satire I have come across, and its simplicity, message, and plot will continue to keep those unfamiliar with George Orwell on their toes, always looking for more.
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