The Abuse Of Power In George Orwell's Animal Farm

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“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” A perfect leader is selfless, knows what he or she is doing, and has the experience to guide others. Unfortunately, because of the inner desire for power overwhelms them, they make reckless decisions; this can cause horrifying results including war and genocide. This quote by Lord Acton suggests how the abuse of power can cause a leader’s vision to become obscured, society regresses from its vision, and rebellion will soon strike; considering this, power is a negative trait. Ignorant citizens allow leaders to spoil and claim more absolute power. All animals in Animal Farm remain ignorant because they are isolated and “raised up” by Napoleon, the manipulative pig. They …show more content…
In George Orwell’s novel, Animal Farm, Napoleon, a pig, sadistically exercised his new power after taking over Manor Farm from Farmer Jones. Napoleon executed chickens and other farm animals when they were confessing their “crimes”. This gives the impression that Napoleon is doing the right thing—getting rid of the betrayers---however, the “crimes” that the animals have committed are mostly fabricated. The fear that the farm’s followers feel about Napoleon forces them to make the wrong choices because they believe in him and there is no other options/choice. Napoleon also isolates Animal Farm to prevent it from being touched by human hands. Later in the story, the reader finds out that Napoleon is actually isolating the group for his own good; he gets too greedy with his absolute power and brainwashes the animals with new policies. Leaders should be guiding others, not controlling them. Cowardice and pure obedience from society are signs of malicious leaders; they shouldn’t be allowed control. Similarly, in Lois Lowry’s The Giver, the Council of Elders makes things worse for the community. They restrict all things [memories] to protect themselves from chaos and disorder from the “Old World”. Because of the laws the Council enforces, everyone is at peace and there is rarely any conflict. The undermining effort this …show more content…
In Animal Farm, Old Major, a deceased wise pig, originally pushes the idea of a Rebellion. to escape from Farmer Jones who is a drunkard and because the animals are upset with humans who never give anything in return. Although it is affordable for the animals to be sick of Farmer Jones and drive him away, it is the wrong thing to do. Farmer Jones provides them everything they need (food, water, and shelter). The animals are proud of their selves, but are in reality not ready for leadership. In the beginning, their main goal is independence from human control, but because things are misguided in Napoleon’s leadership, Animal Farm finds itself collaborating with humans for survival. With that equality the animals, especially the pigs, assimilate and imitate humans. Napoleon’s leadership has caused society’s main goal to go astray; the animals will soon feel betrayed and rebel against Napoleon as they are becoming like humans. When a new leader is determined, they are going to be corrupted by their power, society revolts, and the whole process repeats itself over and over again. This cycle of rebellion shows control is a negative trait because people can’t be trusted with control and rebellion is always around the corner. Jonas, the main character in The Giver, starts a rebellion after finding out about the importance of memories. Before, he never thinks about rebellion against the Council of

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