Focus on the Animals.

Most people would be astounded to see an animal talk, maybe even pay, to See what would be perceived as "a miracle". In many works of literature it is found that some characters and their actions are used to show a profound view of something that the author would like us to contemplate. In George Orwell's Animal Farm, animals are used to describe the Bolshevik Revolution and Stalin's rise to power. He uses animals such as horses, sheep and pigs to act as Stalin, propaganda and the working class of Russia.

The use of animals to depict the key developments of the Revolution works well for Orwell, their part in the story shows how the people they represent acted, in a blunt and very candid form, like the animals they are being portrayed as. The animals show characteristics of the classes, political figures and concept they were created to represent. For instance, Napoleon the pig meant to be Stalin. In Napoleon's ruthless takeovers of the animal farm, use of numerous scapegoats and high regard of only himself show how Stalin began the communist ruling of Russia. Using these animals helped Orwell in the process of this book by making it seem, at first glance, as an ordinary fairytale. This helped him spread the word of the Revolution discreetly.

Animals as the focal point of the story however, can both add and detract from the presentation of the theme. It adds very much to the plot buy showing the actions of the major problems and causes in the Bolshevik Revolution. The usage helps people understand the basics of the occurrences without too much thought. Although, it does detract from the plot somewhat. The animals can confuse people who do not know much about these happenings in history into thinking that something completely different happened. At times the when reading you may easily forget the hidden context of the book and just think about the forward plot, wondering why the author created a storyline going in different directions at a semi-quick pace. Also, without knowledge of this history in the first place, it can also lead people into thinking that this is, indeed, just another fairytale.

When these types of characterization are used it can help add meaning to a story, explain things and unfortunately, at times, be confusing. With animal farm it was all three of these things. For the people who did not know about the Bolshevik Revolution at the start of the story may have thought this a dull and extensive book to read. When explained the meaning of the allegory, readers may now feel more comfortable with learning about this time in history because of the details that Animal Farm gives. People with knowledge about these events before hand, may enjoy this book and find it to be a good source of outside information on Stalin's rise to power. Overall George Orwell made the use of animals being portrayed as historical events and people work for his story, and in doing so making this a very famous book.