In reading Animal Farm, Lord Actons famous pronouncement "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" may come to mind. How and why is this statement applicable to the course of events in the novel.
dec 2ed 2020
Lord Acton's famous pronouncement, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," is highly applicable to the course of events in George Orwell's novel, Animal Farm. In order to understand the correlation, let's first analyze the events of the novel.
Animal Farm depicts a group of animals overthrowing their human owner and establishing a society based on equality and cooperation. However, as the pigs gain power and dominance, they gradually become corrupt and abusive rulers. Here's how Acton's statement applies to the story:
1. Power tends to corrupt: Initially, the pigs, led by the intelligent and persuasive Napoleon, take charge of managing the farm. As they gain authority, the pigs start making decisions solely for their benefit. They allocate extra food and privileges for themselves, while the other animals struggle. This gradual consolidation of power corrupts their intentions, as they prioritize their own interests over the collective welfare of all animals.
2. Absolute power corrupts absolutely: Eventually, the pigs rewrite the original principles of Animalism (the animals' guiding philosophy) to justify their actions and suppress any dissent. Napoleon, in particular, monopolizes all decision-making. He takes on human-like behaviors, such as walking on two legs and engaging in trade with neighboring farms. The absolute power he wields corrupts him absolutely, leading to the exploitation and oppression of the other animals.
The novel demonstrates how the allure of power can cause individuals or groups to abandon their initial ideals and succumb to corruption. The pigs, who were once fervent advocates of equality and freedom, progressively exploit and manipulate their fellow animals for personal gain.
To understand the applicability of Acton's statement to the events in the novel, one should read Animal Farm and observe the power dynamics and evolution of the pigs' behavior. By immersing yourself in the narrative, you will witness how power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, exemplifying Acton's timeless assertion.