Animal Farm is a metaphor for human society. What group in the human world do the

farm animals represent? What does "man" represent? Explain these analogies-in what

way are these things similar? (Think Russian Revolution)

Answer and Explanation:

In the allegorical novella "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, the animals represent the masses, the proletariat, the working class in Russia. They are abused, neglected, taken for granted. Just like the working classes, their work is not meant to make their own lives better, but to improve the lives and fill the pockets of those above them in the social hierarchy.

We should, however, talk about the pigs separately, since they represent something else after the revolution. When the animals finally gather the courage to kick out their human owner, the pigs are the ones who take over the management of the farm because they are the most intelligent among the animals. However, just like soviet leaders, they contradict themselves, demanding something from the people that they (the leaders) are not willing to do. While the other animals sacrifice themselves for the good of the community, the pigs begin to behave more and more like humans.

In the novella, "man" represents the old established authority of the Czar in Russia. Mr. Jones is an alcoholic who does not show any concern or empathy for the very animals that provide him with food and a living. Just like authorities that receive power without having to work for it, "man" in the story is self-centered, concerned only with his own well-being.