The Struggle for Power and Authority

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The development and use of power and authority are two of the basic concepts that indwell mankind. The two novels "Animal Farm" and "Lord of the Flies" both have main characters that uniquely manifest these attributes. Napoleon and Jack approach discipline in a dictorial manner by using intimidation, propaganda and fear while Snowball and Ralph apply a more democratic method when dealing with the animals. Napoleon and Snowball have different techniques and values on how leadership in life should be conducted. This is also true in "Lord of the Flies" in the conflict between Ralph and Jack.

Throughout the novel it is evident that the theme between Democracy and Dictatorship is always present. Animal Farm is a perfect example of this. In the novel, Snowball's method was very democratic and he believed that everyone should have a fair and equal chance to participate in dealing with concerns of the farm society. At the beginning of the novel they established a definite time when they would come together in a meeting which was similar to parliament. They would discuss things that had to be done on the farm. Before every meeting of counsel they would all sing "The Beasts of England", a tune which represented the freedom they have obtained when they forced Mr. Jones the human owner of the farm to flee. They established a new fundamental government called Animalism that the new ruling authority which had to be followed. These laws were extremely important to be enforced so that deviations would not occur. However, throughout the novel the following rules, were often modified to satisfy the pig's political view point.

Seven Commandments

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings is a ...

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Spitz, David. "Power and Authority: An Interpretation of Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'." The Antioch Review 30.1 (Spring 1970): 21-33. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Roger Matuz and Cathy Falk. Vol. 58. Detroit: Gale Research, 1990. Literature Resource Center. Web. 9 June 2011.

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William, S, and J.r Brockington. "Animal Farm." EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Salem Press, n.d. Web. 9 June 2011. .

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