Brandon
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
Just in case you weren't aware, the classic-rock band Pink Floyd released a 1977 album entitled "Animals" that is based on Orwell's Animal Farm. It is a simplified version tied to Britain in the 1970s, but Orwell's essence permeates the entire CD. This is not a musical, it is a rock-driven concept album, and has just as much satirical power as the book. While not as famous as Pink Floyd's other works, it has sold several million copies and is my personal favorite album of theirs. That being said, here is Animal Farm in relation to "Animals." <br><br>Essentially a fairy tale about corruption of power, Animal Farm uses Stalinist Russia as an allegory of what happens when human nature destroys good ideals. The story is rich in symbolism and the characters and events represent actual historical scenarios. In relation to "Animals," the pigs were the smartest animals and originated the idea of a rebellion against the farm's oppressive owner. Of course once they overthrew him, the pigs took it upon themselves to run the farm and began to abuse that power, just like the human owner did. They used the dogs as their secret police to enforce their hypocritical laws and keep the other animals in line. If any animal broke the rules or was considered a traitor to "animalism," the dogs would promptly kill them. The sheep were the mindless masses who followed the pigs' every whim, no matter how ridiculous or harmful they were. Yet contrary to Pink Floyd's lyrics, Orwell's sheep never understand what is happening to them and they continue to live in misery. This is a brilliant story and originally was intended as a warning for what might happen in post-war England. However, it is a universal lesson for any era or political situation when seemingly normal individuals abuse the trust and power that was given to them, inciting a rebellion. For the most part, Pink Floyd captures Orwell's spirit perfectly and applies it to Britain in the 1970s. If you haven't read Animal Farm, you are missing one of the best political satires ever written, and a modern-day classic. It is short and easy to read, and the ending is just as disturbing as Stephen King in his prime. Even if you don't read it for its political or literary value, it is an essential supplement to the Pink Floyd album.