Leadership and corruption are two themes that are closely intertwined in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm." The story, which is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalin's dictatorship, is set on a farm where the animals overthrow their human owner and establish a society run by animals. Initially, the animals work together and the farm flourishes under the leadership of two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, who are the main leaders. However, as time goes on, the pigs begin to abuse their power and eventually become corrupt.
One of the main ways in which the pigs' leadership becomes corrupt is through their manipulation of language. From the beginning of the novel, the pigs are responsible for creating the Seven Commandments, which serve as the foundation of animal society. These commandments include "All animals are equal" and "No animal shall kill any other animal." However, as the pigs become more powerful, they begin to bend and twist the meanings of these commandments to suit their own needs. For example, they change the commandment "No animal shall drink alcohol" to "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess," thereby allowing themselves to continue drinking while denying the same privilege to the other animals. This manipulation of language is a common tactic used by corrupt leaders in order to justify their own actions and deceive those around them.
Another way in which the pigs' leadership becomes corrupt is through their use of propaganda. As the novel progresses, the pigs become increasingly skilled at manipulating the other animals through propaganda and disinformation. For example, when Snowball is forced to flee the farm, Napoleon uses propaganda to portray him as a traitor and enemy of the animals. This not only helps Napoleon solidify his own power, but also serves to divide the animals and prevent them from uniting against him. The pigs also use propaganda to maintain the illusion that the farm is thriving, even when it is not. This is particularly evident when the animals are forced to work longer hours and produce more food for the humans, but are told that it is for the good of the farm and that their hard work will be rewarded.
In addition to manipulating language and using propaganda, the pigs' leadership also becomes corrupt through their exploitation of the other animals. As the pigs become more and more entrenched in their positions of power, they begin to treat the other animals as nothing more than tools to be used for their own benefit. This is most evident in the way they use the labor of the other animals to enrich themselves, while offering little in return. For example, the pigs begin to live in the farmhouse and sleep in beds, while the other animals are left to sleep in the barn. The pigs also take the best food for themselves, while the other animals are given only the most basic necessities. This exploitation is a clear sign of the pigs' corrupt leadership, as it shows their willingness to put their own needs above those of the other animals.
In conclusion, the leadership of Snowball and Napoleon in "Animal Farm" becomes corrupt through their manipulation of language, use of propaganda, and exploitation of the other animals. These actions illustrate the dangers of allowing a small group of individuals to wield too much power, as it can lead to corruption and the abuse of those in their care. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly trusting those in positions of power, and the importance of holding them accountable for their actions.
