Orwell, George, Animal Farm and Bellamy, Edward, Looking Backward (Utopian Societies)
Looking Back is an interesting book by Edward Bellany. The book was published in 1888 (Bellamy, 2003). The writers employs utopia genre in this wok. The book narrates a story of Julian West an American who falls asleep and wakes up after a century later. He wakes up in Boston Massachusetts the same place he fell asleep but now the world has transformed. The writer of the book illuminates his complex notions about civilizing the future, which is a reflection of industrial capitalism. This book fostered inspiration of political movement, the nationalists.
George Orwell wrote the book Animal Farm and published it in the year 1945 (Orwell, 2015). The book employs satirical genre allegorically to attack prominent follies of his time. The book tells the story of animal kingdom which is agitated by domination from humans who are portrayed as self centered and irresponsible. Animals revolts human rule and come up with their own governance which is enhanced by the seven rules formulated on the wall to govern them. The aim of the governance in the animal farm is to ensure equality among all the animals. The writer in his work portrays the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to oppression of the people and dictatorial governance worse than the previous one. The events and characters portrayed in animal farm corresponds those of the Russian revolution. In this case, Snowball Napoleon as well as Old Major who are outlined as the main characters of these books resembles the central figures of the Russian Revolution.
Political themes presented by the book Animal Farm include the theme of dictatorship. Napoleon is one kind of a character who has the ideology of greediness. Thinking of robbing the society as the main idea after he overthrows Snowball in the act is an indecisive move that shows poor leadership. Napoleon steals from the farm in the name of helping his member whereas he is doing it to benefit himself. It shows a power-greedy individual who has nothing to do for the general members but steal what has been generated by Old Major to the society (Orwell, 2015). A character by the name Snowball represents good leadership of what he will do to improve the political class and the general state of the land. But his ideas are thrashed by Napoleon on the basis of being a traitor making it impossible for him to run a clean state. Another theme in this story is the theme of false allegiance. Individuals such as Napoleon in this book have portrayed a picture of how well they can perform for the common man but it all counts to him as a way of concentrating everything in his favor (Orwell, 2015).
From the book Look Backwards Julian West is one wonders in his mind through a time travel ideology where he finds that he has been left out in terms of development. Waking up at a time when developments had already been established but to him this happens in a different part of the world. Greed and industrial revolution cause the turn of events where both books discuss a scenario where in politics all that an individual wants is power to take advantage of the minority group. Another theme presented in the book Looking Backwards is the theme of human rights (Bellamy, 2003). It does not matter whatever race a person is, the cultural background, gender, or if one is physically handicapped but having to benefit from the education system and but a recognized citizen is all that matters.
In the book Animal farm, Napoleon emerges as an opportunist who is a self-centered and corrupt character. He never contributes towards revolution ideological or the physical struggles the fellow animals undergo. His interests are only based on the power over the animal farm rather than social attempts to establish it. Napoleon undertakes a project of training a number of puppies not for their own benefits but they become his private army which he uses to impose his wills through violence. His character in this case represents political oppressor who have emerged in human history all through the twentieth century. As such, Napoleon represents a communist leader French General Napoleon of the eighteenth century, who rode to power and betrayed the democratic principles (Orwell, 2015). The writer illuminates Napoleon character as a representative of any great dictators as well as political conspirators in the world record. The behavior of Napoleon and his followers portray the deceptive and bullying policies of dictatorial leaders.
Similarly, the book Looking Backwards portrays a character Julian West who is a representative of the nineteenth century where awakens to a new century. The writer uses this character to represent people in the common society who can identify with his characteristics whose inspiration is to support the ideal societal system. The writer uses Julian to illustrate his philosophical message to the readers. Doctor Leete, acts as the spokesperson that helps Julian understand the transformed society. Unlike Napoleon, the character in this case, is used to illustrate the societal changes which have taken place. In this ideal society, the government is reflected as the most powerful and respected unit which retains social and order of the society (Bellamy, 2003). In the same manner, the ideal society ensures that personal freedom is enhanced where every citizen can access range of nation products as well as acquire education based on careers that suit them.
Both works portrays incidents that challenge the perspective of the characters. The book, Animal Farm illuminates Snowball who realizes that revolution against human rule will ensure freedom and equality of the animal farm which becomes a success. Rebellion in this case challenges Jones the human owner of the animal farm and is chased out of his own farm. Again, Snowball challenges his counterpart Napoleon in the race for power and leadership position (Orwell, 2015). Snowball’s passionate, eloquent character wins him loyalty from the other animals when he comes up with the idea of a windmill which is believed to enhance technology that will boost the livelihood of the animal farm. However, Snowball’s idealism leads him to his downfall. In the book Looking Backward, Julian West faces the challenge of radical change from the 19th century to twentieth century (Bellamy, 2003). He does not understand how the solution to industrial revolution of 19th century era characterized by barbaric that accumulated wealth for themselves and widened the gap between the rich and poor was contained.
Challenging incidents faced by the characters in both books influence the outcome of the story in a big way. In Orwell’s story, the challenges of revolting against the human power over the animal kingdom presents the ideal solution to the problems encountered by the animals over the rule of man. In this case, the rule of man which is accompanied by hunger and oppression of the animal kingdom is overruled. The only appealing light is Snowball’s solution to replace the manpower struggles with a modern means of technology which will eradicate the overworking of the animals and foster mass production is shuttered (Orwell, 2015). However, Napoleon counterpart emerges as the ruler who is egocentric and his lust for power leads the animal farm in a worse condition of brutality, corruption and self beneficiary policies. As such, the writer portrays these challenges as a reflection to political tyrants who constantly change policies; participate in secret activities and actions using deception and manipulate the general public by use of fear strategy and violence (Orwell, 2015). The challenge of rapid change in Bellamy, Looking Backwards as faced by Julian West illuminates the core message of the writer. In this case, West who defends the retarded 19th century is brought to an understanding that 20th century utopia is more advanced (Bellamy, 2003). West realizes that the changes in society are not enhanced by human nature but rather the economic standardization of the members of society. Like Orwell, Bellamy employs this challenge to illuminate the significance of change in the new century. Change in the twentieth century is characterized by equal distribution of resources; a society serving with patriotism and governance. Bellamy reflects that an ideal society can be achieved with the right system and cooperation enhanced by rational people (Bellamy, 2003).
From the above analysis it is clear that both books outline potential sources for social as well as political change. Bellamy outlines that societal changes can be achieved through; evolution, education as well as persuasion from people. An industrialized society will foster eradication of social class division, poor working conditions, low wages, and reduced crimes among other challenges. As such, the ideal society will enhance equality in income generation, general public education, universal employment social amenities and healthcare systems available for all. His vision is a reflection of United States ideal society in 2000. Orwell reflects that leaders such as Napoleon according will continue to increase in number not unless the society is enlightened and replace such leaders.
References
Bellamy, E. (2003). Looking Backward: 2000-1887. Broadview Press.
Orwell, G. (2015). Animal farm. Prabhat Prakashan.
