George Orwell’s Animal Farm

Overview: The Manor Farm is brewing up a storm. Old Major has the animals of the farm dreaming of the end of human rule. By a sheer stroke of luck, the animals get their dream. I wonder if they have ever heard the warning: “Be careful what you wish for.”

Story Telling: Mr. Orwell called this a fairytale; others have called it a cautionary tale. Let the reader decide.

Dislikes: Any member of the pigs, including Snowball and Old Major, just worked my nerves. It was like they planned a coup, and used the others as pawns.

And, why could none of the animals think at all?

Likes: Boxer wanted the best for his friends. Benjamin stayed, I think, just for Boxer. Of course, Molly had the right idea.

Favorite Character: It would be Benjamin.

Favorite Quote: I liked Benjamin’s temperament. “…for instance, he would say that God had given him a tail to keep the flies off, but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies.”

Favorite Scene: I enjoyed how Clover and Benjamin tended to Boxer. It’s either that one, or when they catch Squeaker messing with the commandments.

Conclusion: This might be a good book to read for anyone working around politics, even if it’s just to vote. Come to think about it, it’s probably a good idea to read it if you are a social activist as well. It’s a good reminder of what today’s heroes can turn into.

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