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DECONSTRUCTIONIST ANALYSIS OF GEORGE ORWELL'S

“ANIMAL FARM”

By

Meer Saeed Shah (Roll no: 2K22/MELL/36)

IELL, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.

Assigned by: Sir Waseem Hassan Malik

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Abstract:

This examination dismantles George Orwell's "Animal Farm," a metaphorical novella published

in 1945, to look at its basic subjects, images, characters, and story methods. The work of George

Orwell is a potent analysis of despotism and the abuse of power that serves as a cautionary tale

against political manipulation and the loss of idealism. This analysis uses the lens of

deconstruction to look at the themes of corruption and power, which are illustrated by the pigs'

rise to the ruling class, and change and betrayal as the animals diverge from their original

objectives. Dismantling symbols like the farm and the Seven Laws of God reveals the patterns of

political systems as well as the possibility of corruption. The dangers of totalitarian rule and the

suppression of dissent are made clear through the deconstruction of characters like Napoleon and

Snowball. The narrative benefits from Orwell's use of irony and humor to satirize human flaws

and reveal the contradictions and manipulation that arise in concentrated power structures. As the

deconstruction analysis reveals, "Animal Farm" is ultimately a potent critique of totalitarianism,

power corruption, and betrayal.

Keywords: George Orwell, Animal Farm, Metaphorical, Deconstructionist Analysis.

THE THEORY OF DECONSTRUCTION: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION:

In the 1960s, French philosopher Jacques Derrida created the philosophical and critical

framework known as deconstruction theory. By exposing the inherent contradictions, hierarchies,

and binary oppositions that are embedded in texts and discourses, it challenges conventional

methods of understanding and interpretation. In response to structuralism, a theoretical approach

that emphasized locating underlying systems and structures in texts, deconstruction emerged.

Derrida criticized structuralism for its belief in the existence of a stable, essential meaning and its
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preference for binary oppositions. Derrida introduced deconstruction as a method for revealing

the complexities and instability of language and thought in his seminal 1967 work "Of

Grammatology."

Derrida (1967) contended that deconstruction isn't simply a scrutinize of structuralism yet a

revolutionary reconsidering of the underpinnings of Western mysticism.

Basic Ideas:

a. Logocentrism

The logocentric bias, which favors speech over writing and presence over absence, is

challenged by deconstruction. According to Derrida, (1967), language is inherently deferred,

which means that it constantly refers to signifiers that are not present. He contends that writing is

more than just a representation of speech; rather, it is an essential component of language itself,

thereby upending the distinction between the two.

b. Binary Contraries:

By demonstrating how they depend on and define one another, deconstruction reveals the

arbitrariness of binary oppositions. Deconstruction, according to Norris (1982), reveals binary

oppositions' inherent contradictions and contestability by revealing their "slippage."

Ideas like good/evil, male/female, presence/absence are not fixed yet rather comprised together.

The goal of deconstruction is to overturn these oppositions by pointing out how unstable they are

and making room for different interpretations.

c. Difference and Trace:

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Derrida articulates the inherent instability and indeterminacy of language by introducing

the concepts of "trace" and "difference." While difference describes the simultaneous production

and deferral of meaning, the trace refers to the remnants left behind in language by absent

signifiers. These ideas underscore the trickiness and transparency of understanding. By

questioning the existence of a stable, fixed meaning, Culler (1982) explains how the concepts of

trace and difference play a central role in deconstruction.

Deconstructive Technique:

Deconstruction is a methodological approach rather than a set of predetermined rules or

procedures. Deconstructing binary oppositions, revealing their instability and multiplicity of

meanings, and closely examining texts are all part of it. Deconstruction looks to upset

conventional translations and challenge the predominant talks and power structures inserted

inside texts.
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BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NOVEL

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The novel Animal Farm is written by George Orwell and published in 1945, is a satire on the

Russian Revolution and Soviet Union.

The story begins with the animals who overthrow their human farmer (Jones) to establish an

Independent society. However, when pigs, who were representing elite class, start governing,

the condition becomes worse. Over all it exposes the dangers of political manipulation and the

decline of democracy or in concise erosion of idealism through a straightforward but powerful

narrative set on a farm.

DISCUSSION:

This analysis will provide a comprehensive deconstruction of "Animal Farm" by employing

deconstruction as a literary lens to examine the underlying themes, symbols, characters, and

narrative techniques used by Orwell.

1. Themes' Deconstruction:

1.1 Corruption And Power

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Through the allegorical representation of the pigs as the ruling class, Orwell explores the theme

of power and its corrupting influence. At first, the defiance to the human rancher represents the

quest for equity, however over the long run, the pigs secure themselves as the special tip top,

reflecting the severe system they had ousted. The deconstruction here features the innate

inclination for ability to ruin, and how goals can be controlled to serve the interests of the

meager. Napoleon's character is one example of power and corruption in the novel. At first,

Napoleon presents himself as a leader who is dedicated to Animalism's principles, which call for

all animals to be treated equally. However, he becomes increasingly tyrannical and manipulative

as his power grows. For instance, he rewrites the Seven Commandments to suit his own interests

and employs propaganda to control and deceive the other animals. (Orwell, 1945, Chapter 7)

1.2 Revolution And Betrayal:

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Orwell shows the animals' gradual betrayal of their original goals and principles, deconstructing

the revolution theme. At the first, the resistance goes for the independent society or freedom,

where all creatures are equivalent (Orwell, 1945, p. 7). However, as the pigs take over, they

gradually alter the tenets of the law, rewrite history, and indulge in human vices, ultimately

betraying the principles of the revolution. To justify his actions and privileges, Napoleon begins

to alter and manipulate the commandments as his power grows. For instance, the original

commandment, which stressed the equality of all creatures, has been amended to state that, while

all animals are equal, some are more equal and superior than others (Orwell, 1945, p. 134). The

pigs' transformation into the very oppressors against whom they initially rebelled is

demonstrated by this alteration, which betrays the ideals of the revolution. The dangers of

idealism turning into totalitarianism and the distortion of truth through language manipulation

are made clear through the deconstruction of revolution.

2. Deconstructing Symbols:

2.1 The Farm

The farm is a symbol of the ideal society in which all animals are treated equally and reap the

benefits of their labor. The actual homestead addresses everything that exists everywhere of a

general public in which power elements and social designs are investigated. It represents the

transition from the promise of liberation to the establishment of a totalitarian state and the

Russian Revolution and Soviet Union. Through the farm, Orwell explores the corrupting power

of power and the possibility of revolutions being hijacked by self-serving individuals (Orwell,

1945). The deconstruction of the ranch as an image uncovers the pattern of political frameworks

and their inborn potential for defilement.

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2.2 The Seven Commandments Of Animalism

The Seven Commandments, at first settled as the standards of Animalism, address a bunch of

goals that structure the underpinning of the creatures' upheaval. However, in order to justify their

own actions, the pigs alter and manipulate these commands, demonstrating the adaptability of

ideology (Orwell, 1945, Chapter 7). The deconstruction of the precepts features the control of

language and the disintegration of truth in political talk.

3. Deconstructing Characters:

3.1 Napoleon

Napoleon, the boar who takes over as the primary leader, is a symbol of power corruption and

Joseph Stalin. Napoleon is initially portrayed as a powerful, reserved, and calculating character .

He centers around the combination of his power and uses control and promulgation to keep up

with command over different creatures (Orwell, 1945, p. 27). Throughout the story, Napoleon's

character develops, becoming increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. He gains privileges for

himself and the other pigs, defies Animalism's founding principles, and alters the commands to

suit his own purposes. Orwell exposes the dangers of totalitarian rule, including the use of

propaganda, manipulation, and the suppression of dissent in order to maintain control, by

deconstructing Napoleon's character (Orwell, 1945, p. 83).

3.2 Snowball
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Leon Trotsky is represented by Snowball, another boar who initially advocates for collective

leadership. He is shown as smart, articulate, and creative. Snowball is an idealist who sincerely

adheres to the tenets of animalism and strives to establish a farm society that is equitable and

egalitarian. The character of Snowball is a symbol of the intellectual and forward-thinking

aspects of the Russian Revolution. He represents Trotsky, who was in the end banished and

defamed by Stalin. Napoleon's brutal authoritarianism overshadows Snowball's vision and ideas.

By dismantling Snowball's personality, Orwell investigates the inward divisions inside

progressive developments and the resulting exile or disposal of contradicting voices by people

with great influence.

4. Narrative Deconstruction:

4.1 Humor:

Orwell uses satire to expose the absurdity and hypocrisy of those in power and to deconstruct

political systems. The humor in "Animal Farm" has a bigger purpose: it satirizes political

systems and shows how they can be corrupt. The novel's comedic elements are primarily used to

engage the reader and make the critique more accessible, but the overall tone of the book

remains serious and thought-provoking. Examples of comedic elements include the names of the

animals themselves, their behavior, meetings, rebellion, and so on. The animals'

anthropomorphism allows for a critique of human nature and the fallibility of political ideologies

by satirizing human tendencies and flaws.

4.2 Irony:
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The narrative is full of irony, highlighting the disparity between the animals' initial objectives

and their final outcomes. The pigs' portrayal as leaders of the animal revolution in George

Orwell's "Animal Farm" is one example of irony. The pigs, drove by Napoleon and Snowball, at

first advance the possibility of balance and freedom for all animals on the ranch. However, as the

story progresses, they gradually become oppressive and corrupt rulers who resemble the people

they once opposed. This change is a clear example of irony because the pigs, who had human

masters who oppressed them, are now the oppressors themselves. In "Animal Farm," the

deconstruction of irony reveals the contradictions and manipulation that arise when power is

concentrated.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the deconstruction analysis of "Animal Farm" highlights a number of

important aspects of the book. The corruption of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals

are explored through the deconstruction of themes. The images in the story, like the farm and the

Seven Commandments, are deconstructed to uncover the innate potential for defilement and the

control of language. The deconstruction of the insurgency subject features the progressive selling

out of the creatures' unique objectives and standards. Under Napoleon's leadership, the pigs

break the rules and indulge in human vices, ultimately betraying the revolution's ideals. The

dangers of idealism turning into totalitarianism and the linguistic manipulation of truth are

emphasized in this deconstruction.

The novel's symbols, like the farm and the Seven Commandments, are broken down to reveal

their deeper meanings. The farm reveals the corrupting power of power itself and serves as a

metaphor for the transition from the promise of liberation to the establishment of a totalitarian
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state. The manipulation of the Seven Commandments exemplifies the political control of

language and the adaptability of ideology.The dangers of totalitarian rule and the suppression of

dissent are illustrated by the characters of Napoleon and Snowball, who represent distinct aspects

of the Russian Revolution. The account methods of humor and incongruity are utilized to parody

political frameworks and uncover their defects. In general, the "Animal Farm" deconstruction

analysis provides a comprehensive comprehension of Orwell's investigation of power,

corruption, revolution, and the complexities of political ideologies.

REFERENCES:

1. Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. Secker and Warburg.

2. Derrida, J. (1967). Of Grammatology. Johns Hopkins University Press.

3. Norris, C. (1982). Deconstruction: Theory and Practice. Routledge.

4. Culler, J. (1982). On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism after Structuralism.

Cornell University Press