This is your best analysis so far. I highly recommend it and the research you have done into doing this justice is a credit to you. If you have already written about Animal Farm you can disregard the rest of this comment.
Otherwise - when you get to Animal Farm I do hope you read about how it survived the deliberate attempts to eradicate it; the best summary is by Christopher Hitchens and if you want, I will dig out the reference (he wrote a lot about Orwell). The novel was nearly destroyed by American troops who, as a concession to the Russian allies, were instructed to destroy any copies found. In the UK it was mostly ignored possibly due to the fact that many of the intelligentsia were left leaning and sympathetic to communism as an antidote to fascism (Catalonia also shows this). Also important is how it was saved from obscurity by Ukrainians in gulags who secured Orwell's permission to translate and distribute it free-of-charge. It is an essential part of the history that is in danger of being forgotten. I would also urge you to find out which historical person each animal character represents because it really helps you read the book on two levels - which is what is necessary for any allegory.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Michael. That really means a lot.
I appreciate the tips on Animal Farm. I'd heard of the Ukrainian stuff and the history of its publication in England, but I had no idea that the book was hunted down by American troops! If it's not too much trouble, I would love to read the Hitchens piece. (as an aside, I know I've read his introduction to Animal Farm, and could've sworn I had a copy in my library, but now I can't find it anywhere!)
As for the person represented by each character, I may not necessarily get to it during this 'biographical section,' but it will definitely be addressed at some point in the book. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts. They are always appreciated.
Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens. Section 2 - 'Eclectic Affinities' 10: On Animal Farm.
This will repay your efforts Melissa but be sure to credit Hitchens because his insight is unique. Everything I am putting here comes from that brief essay.
Old Major (the Old Boar) - Marx
Farmer Jones - The Tsar
Other Farmers - Western invasions of Russia (1918/19)
Napoleon (Pig) - Stalin
Snowball (Pig) - Trotsky
Boxer (Horse) - embodying the working class
Moses (Raven) - Russian Orthodox Church
No mention of Lenin but why? You must read what Hitchens says of this omission because nobody else seems to have noticed it. Also what he said about Burma in connection with Animal Farm may give you reason to reconsider your views on Burmese Days - I know it's an uncomfortable read but it is still an important book. Good luck.
Thank you so much, Michael! (and apologies for missing your comment earlier)
This is really interesting—I’ll definitely be tracking down a copy ASAP. I’m surprised both that Lenin wasn’t mentioned and that this is overlooked so much (and am now wondering what, if anything, Hitchens makes of it).
You’re right about Burma. It was a tough book to get through the first time around, and I’m not really looking forward to picking it up again, but your feedback has stuck with me—I’ll have to give it another read at some point and edit the chapter.
Looks like I have a lot of research to do this week!
I found this for you. It is the same version as my Audible copy and my favourite Hitchens narrator. It is about 20 minutes and worth every second. It is beautifully written and I don't think you will be disappointed.
The same political themes which challenged Orwell back in his day are part of the political landscape today. Our choices are so few.
This is your best analysis so far. I highly recommend it and the research you have done into doing this justice is a credit to you. If you have already written about Animal Farm you can disregard the rest of this comment.
Otherwise - when you get to Animal Farm I do hope you read about how it survived the deliberate attempts to eradicate it; the best summary is by Christopher Hitchens and if you want, I will dig out the reference (he wrote a lot about Orwell). The novel was nearly destroyed by American troops who, as a concession to the Russian allies, were instructed to destroy any copies found. In the UK it was mostly ignored possibly due to the fact that many of the intelligentsia were left leaning and sympathetic to communism as an antidote to fascism (Catalonia also shows this). Also important is how it was saved from obscurity by Ukrainians in gulags who secured Orwell's permission to translate and distribute it free-of-charge. It is an essential part of the history that is in danger of being forgotten. I would also urge you to find out which historical person each animal character represents because it really helps you read the book on two levels - which is what is necessary for any allegory.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Michael. That really means a lot.
I appreciate the tips on Animal Farm. I'd heard of the Ukrainian stuff and the history of its publication in England, but I had no idea that the book was hunted down by American troops! If it's not too much trouble, I would love to read the Hitchens piece. (as an aside, I know I've read his introduction to Animal Farm, and could've sworn I had a copy in my library, but now I can't find it anywhere!)
As for the person represented by each character, I may not necessarily get to it during this 'biographical section,' but it will definitely be addressed at some point in the book. Thanks again for reading and for your thoughts. They are always appreciated.
Thanks for that Melissa. Anyway here it is.
Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens. Section 2 - 'Eclectic Affinities' 10: On Animal Farm.
This will repay your efforts Melissa but be sure to credit Hitchens because his insight is unique. Everything I am putting here comes from that brief essay.
Old Major (the Old Boar) - Marx
Farmer Jones - The Tsar
Other Farmers - Western invasions of Russia (1918/19)
Napoleon (Pig) - Stalin
Snowball (Pig) - Trotsky
Boxer (Horse) - embodying the working class
Moses (Raven) - Russian Orthodox Church
No mention of Lenin but why? You must read what Hitchens says of this omission because nobody else seems to have noticed it. Also what he said about Burma in connection with Animal Farm may give you reason to reconsider your views on Burmese Days - I know it's an uncomfortable read but it is still an important book. Good luck.
Thank you so much, Michael! (and apologies for missing your comment earlier)
This is really interesting—I’ll definitely be tracking down a copy ASAP. I’m surprised both that Lenin wasn’t mentioned and that this is overlooked so much (and am now wondering what, if anything, Hitchens makes of it).
You’re right about Burma. It was a tough book to get through the first time around, and I’m not really looking forward to picking it up again, but your feedback has stuck with me—I’ll have to give it another read at some point and edit the chapter.
Looks like I have a lot of research to do this week!
I found this for you. It is the same version as my Audible copy and my favourite Hitchens narrator. It is about 20 minutes and worth every second. It is beautifully written and I don't think you will be disappointed.
https://youtu.be/E3LTdhfDFKM?si=_pOLOwbpGAN6YW-C
Perfect! That is a huge help. Thank you!!
I added the promised reference in reply to your last Melissa.
See the other thread. Have added a link to the audio copy of On Animal Farm via YouTube and it is complete - I checked..
The same war but on the other side and on the other ocean, you may be interested in a quick read about another reluctant propagandist, Tokyo Rose; https://www.history.com/news/how-tokyo-rose-became-wwiis-most-notorious-propagandist
Wow, what a great story! She was a badass and she got a raw deal—I'm tempted to try to fit this in the book somewhere. Thanks, Jim!
Great article Melissa and a key reminder!