
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a timeless allegory that critiques the rise of totalitarianism and the corruption of revolutionary ideals. Chapter 10, the final chapter of the novel, serves as a powerful conclusion to the story, encapsulating the themes of power, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of oppression. This chapter not only brings the narrative full circle but also leaves readers with profound questions about human nature and societal structures. Below, we delve into the key aspects of Chapter 10, analyzing its themes, symbolism, and the implications of its ending.
The Evolution of Animal Farm: From Rebellion to Tyranny
Chapter 10 opens with a description of the passage of time on Animal Farm. Years have passed since the rebellion, and many of the original animals who participated in the revolution have died. The farm has undergone significant changes, both physically and ideologically. The windmill, once a symbol of the animals’ collective effort and hope for a better future, has been completed, but its purpose has shifted. Instead of generating electricity for the animals’ benefit, it now serves to grind corn for profit, benefiting only the pigs.
This transformation reflects the broader theme of the corruption of revolutionary ideals. The animals’ initial dream of equality and freedom has been replaced by a system that mirrors the human oppression they once fought against. The pigs, led by Napoleon, have become indistinguishable from the humans they once despised, adopting their behaviors, vices, and even their physical appearance.
The Pigs’ Assimilation into Human Behavior
One of the most striking aspects of Chapter 10 is the pigs’ complete assimilation into human behavior. They walk on two legs, wear clothes, and carry whips—symbols of authority and control. The final scene, where the pigs and humans play cards together, underscores the theme of betrayal. The animals watching from outside cannot distinguish between the pigs and the humans, highlighting the extent of the pigs’ moral and ideological decay.
This assimilation serves as a critique of the Soviet Union under Stalin, where the ruling class became increasingly detached from the working class, adopting the very practices they had once condemned. Orwell uses this transformation to illustrate how power can corrupt even the most noble of intentions, leading to the perpetuation of inequality and oppression.
The Betrayal of the Seven Commandments
The Seven Commandments, which once served as the foundation of Animalism, have been reduced to a single, paradoxical statement: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This final commandment encapsulates the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of the pigs’ regime. It reveals the inherent contradiction in a system that claims to uphold equality while perpetuating inequality.
The gradual erosion of the commandments throughout the novel mirrors the way in which totalitarian regimes manipulate language and ideology to justify their actions. By the end of the novel, the original principles of Animalism have been entirely subverted, leaving the animals no better off than they were under Mr. Jones’s rule.
The Role of Propaganda and Control
Propaganda plays a crucial role in maintaining the pigs’ control over the other animals. Squealer, the pigs’ chief propagandist, uses rhetoric and manipulation to justify the pigs’ actions and suppress dissent. In Chapter 10, Squealer’s ability to convince the animals that their memories are faulty underscores the power of propaganda in shaping reality.
The sheep, who repeatedly chant slogans like “Four legs good, two legs better,” symbolize the blind obedience and susceptibility of the masses to manipulation. Orwell’s portrayal of propaganda serves as a warning about the dangers of uncritical acceptance of authority and the importance of independent thought.
The Cyclical Nature of Oppression
The ending of Animal Farm suggests that oppression is cyclical. The animals’ revolution, which was meant to liberate them, ultimately leads to a new form of tyranny. This cyclical nature is emphasized by the final scene, where the pigs and humans are indistinguishable, suggesting that the cycle of oppression will continue indefinitely.
Orwell’s critique extends beyond the specific context of the Soviet Union to address broader issues of power and human nature. The novel suggests that without vigilance and a commitment to justice, any society is susceptible to the same patterns of corruption and oppression.
Symbolism in Chapter 10
Chapter 10 is rich with symbolism that reinforces its themes. The windmill, once a symbol of hope and progress, becomes a tool of exploitation, reflecting the perversion of the animals’ original ideals. The pigs’ transformation into human-like figures symbolizes the betrayal of the revolution and the corrupting influence of power.
The final scene, where the animals cannot distinguish between the pigs and the humans, serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of identity and the erosion of moral boundaries. It underscores the idea that power, regardless of who wields it, tends to corrupt.
The Ending: A Reflection on Human Nature
The ending of Animal Farm is both bleak and thought-provoking. It suggests that the struggle for equality and justice is fraught with challenges and that the potential for corruption is ever-present. Orwell’s portrayal of the pigs’ betrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in preserving freedom and equality.
At the same time, the novel raises questions about human nature and the possibility of achieving a truly just society. Is oppression an inevitable outcome of power, or can it be overcome through collective effort and moral integrity? Orwell leaves these questions unanswered, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the significance of the pigs walking on two legs in Chapter 10?
A: The pigs walking on two legs symbolizes their complete assimilation into human behavior and their betrayal of the principles of Animalism. It highlights the extent of their moral decay and the corruption of their revolutionary ideals.
Q: How does the final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” reflect the pigs’ hypocrisy?
A: The final commandment encapsulates the pigs’ hypocrisy by claiming equality while justifying inequality. It reveals the inherent contradiction in their regime and underscores the manipulation of language to maintain power.
Q: What role does propaganda play in maintaining the pigs’ control over the other animals?
A: Propaganda, as wielded by Squealer, is used to manipulate the animals’ perceptions and suppress dissent. It reinforces the pigs’ authority by distorting reality and justifying their actions, highlighting the dangers of uncritical acceptance of authority.
Q: What does the ending of Animal Farm suggest about the nature of oppression?
A: The ending suggests that oppression is cyclical and that power tends to corrupt. It implies that without vigilance and a commitment to justice, any society is susceptible to the same patterns of corruption and oppression.
Q: How does Orwell use symbolism in Chapter 10 to reinforce the novel’s themes?
A: Orwell uses symbols like the windmill and the pigs’ transformation into human-like figures to reinforce themes of betrayal, corruption, and the perversion of ideals. These symbols highlight the loss of identity and the erosion of moral boundaries under totalitarian rule.