Animal Farm, and, 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four

Between 1984 and Animal Farm, Animal Farm is the better story. Though more explicit in its portrayal of totalitarianism, 1984 seems to loose track of the plot more often than not. Animal farm stays almost directly on track the entire time while still remaining entertaining and through its usage of the "cute farm animal" shtick actually makes the whole thing seem more real, odd as that...more

Between 1984 and Animal Farm, Animal Farm is the better story. Though more explicit in its portrayal of totalitarianism, 1984 seems to loose track of the plot more often than not. Animal farm stays almost directly on track the entire time while still remaining entertaining and through its usage of the "cute farm animal" shtick actually makes the whole thing seem more real, odd as that may seem. Likewise the animal's perspectives as they try to puzzle out where things went wrong are so well played that it's hard not to get extremely angry despite the unreality of the actual characters. However, 1984 does have its moments, the relationship between the main character and the other 'deviant' is well done. And of course the image and pervasiveness of 'Big Brother' in the character's world is what made it a classic. Both great books.   hide

I think a lot of people are forced to read Animal Farm in high school for some kind of History class. If you thought that you hated it in high school, go back and read it now. Orwell presents his interpretation of the overseas communism by way of barnyard animals. "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others..."This book is captivating and hilarious as a satyrical piece.

I personally thought this book was rather lame, compared to "1984", which isn't even my favorite Orwell book. Still, it's a short read, and worthwhile for those who wish to explore Orwell's canon.

Orwell offers a prophetic view of the pitfalls of pure communism. He shows that greed is the downfall of communism, and how leaders can construe the past to oppress their people. I was disappointed that he did not focus on the lack of incentive to work that communism creates. Overall, it is a literary masterpeice.