Animals Ignorance In George Orwell's Animal Farm

George Orwell’s Animal Farm, is a satirical novel that follows the causes, effects, and outcomes of a revolution. The Manor Farm is overtaken by the fatigued and dissatisfied animals that work tirelessly for Mr. Jones, the owner of the farm. The revolution is inspired by Major, the prize boar on the farm, but is attained by Snoball and Napoleon, two other boars. Squealer, a younger pig, acts as a persuasive communicator between the pigs and the other animals. The revolution is sparked by the desire to live on equal and just terms. The animals on the farm receive little to no education which affects their position in the revolution. The animals’ ignorance plays a major role in both political and social oppression because of their inability to

informatively argue leadership and have confidence in their beliefs and opinions.
The animals presiding on the farm are politically suppressed by their ignorance and lack of knowledge because of their inability to participate in leadership and make proper decisions for themselves and the community. The Narrator describes the reasoning the pigs are appointed leadership: “The work and teaching and organising the others fell naturally upon the pigs, who were generally recognised as being the cleverest of the animals” (35). The animals immediately assume the pigs are more intelligent; therefore, the other animals receive no ability to display their knowledge nor gain knowledge. The other animals have no capability to participate in political leadership or decisions because the animals are viewed as incompetent towards the pigs. Snoball was forcefully exiled from the farm by Napoleon, Squealer informs the animals of the importance in discipline after unsettling feelings towards the expulsion: “One false step, and our enemies would be upon us. Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?” (70). The animals are persuaded in every situation by the thought of Mr. Jones returning, through ignorance the animals are persuaded by fear and resentment. Napoleon, now acting as dictator, is able to suppress the animals through their ignorance on reality and deciphering the truth from lies. Through fear and ignorance, the animals are unable to question the leadership of the pigs nor differentiate reality from imagination.
Napoleon begins to manipulate the ignorance of the animals by forcing the animals to both change and question their beliefs and memories.

Squealer convinces the animals to believe that Snoball was a traitor initially: “I would show you this in his own writing, if you were able to read” (90). Napoleon and Squealer take advantage of the animals ignorance and create false statements and tales in order to lure the animals into full devotion and commitment to the leadership of Napoleon. Due to the perception that Squealer and Napoleon are more knowledgeable, the animals feel incompetent to object because they have no proof nor intellectual knowledge to argue. Clover, a devoted mule, begins to reflect on the revolutionized farm: “If she could have spoken her thoughts, it would have been to say that this was not what they had aimed at when they had set themselves years ago to work for the overthrow of the human race” (95). Unhappiness and disappointment is felt throughout the farm but due to the animals lack of intelligence and power they are unable to express their emotions and feelings. The animals have been oppressed by Napoleon for so long that when they realize their unhappiness it is too late to make a

difference.
Political and social oppression is a major attribute to Napoleon’s ability to control and manipulate the animals on the farm. Due to the animals’ lack of education and knowledge, they are unable to effectively participate in decisions made on the farm regarding all topics. Napoleon abuses the animals’ ignorance by producing false stories and creating fear to build trust and dependence on Napoleon.