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Absolute Power and Corruption in Animal Farm

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Absolute Power and Corruption in Animal Farm

Idealistic leaders can become corrupt because of the influence that absolute power can have on one’s morals. This pattern constantly repeats itself throughout history because of mankind’s ignorance to the past. Animal Farm represents the Russian revolution and the events and actions that took place. As Napoleon, Snowball, and Old Major evolve and show the effects of having power, is it obvious to see how absolute power corrupts potentially great leaders. Napoleon, an overall strong leader, lets power take over his views and morals for ultimate corruption. After Old Major dies, Napoleon is fortunate to be one of the next renowned leaders for the farm and soon to be a leader for the rebellion. As time passes, Napoleon experiences the luxuries and the benefits that come with having power— the power is now beginning to go to his head. He begins eating much food, sleeping on a bed, and wearing clothes (all of which the animals swore never to do in animalism). Napoleon is beginning to think of himself above all others rather than as still an equal. At one point in the book, Napoleon sell the loyal and hardworking boxer to a factory for alcohol. This goes to prove that he only cared about what he wanted, not his hard working citizen. By many events and actions done by Napoleon, it is easy to see how Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin. “Stalin was the undisputed dictator of USSR.” As Stalin did, Napoleon disposes of anything that comes to threat his beloved power. Both leaders governed with complete power pushing anyone out of their way. “Twelve voices were shouting in anger, and they were all able alike. No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but it was impossible to say which was which,”

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