“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” - Why studying Animal Farm is more important than ever.

In an age of fast news cycles, polarized politics, and constant social change, it can be easy to dismiss older works of literature as irrelevant or outdated. But some books seem to grow more important with time, not less. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is one of those works—concise, powerful, and disturbingly timeless.

Originally published in 1945, Animal Farm is a political allegory that uses a seemingly simple story about farm animals rebelling against their human farmer to explore complex themes like power, corruption, propaganda, and the fragility of freedom. Orwell wrote the novella in response to the rise of totalitarian regimes, particularly Stalinist Russia, but its lessons continue to resonate well beyond that historical moment.

1. Understanding Power and Corruption

At the heart of Animal Farm lies a chilling message: even noble ideals can be twisted when power is concentrated in the hands of a few. What begins as a revolutionary movement to create equality among the animals quickly devolves into a dictatorship led by the pigs—most notably, the cunning Napoleon. Orwell shows how leaders can manipulate language, rewrite history, and slowly dismantle democracy while claiming to serve the people.

For students and readers of all ages, the novella provides a clear and accessible entry point into understanding how power can corrupt—and how corruption can go unnoticed when wrapped in the right rhetoric.

2. The Power of Propaganda

Orwell was deeply concerned with the manipulation of truth, and Animal Farm demonstrates this through the character of Squealer, the pig who serves as the regime’s mouthpiece. Through Squealer, Orwell illustrates how propaganda is used not just to inform, but to control. Lies are repeated until they become truth, language is deliberately twisted, and critical thinking is discouraged.

In today’s media-saturated world, where misinformation spreads rapidly online and political spin is ever-present, the book’s portrayal of propaganda remains a vital lesson in media literacy and independent thought.

3. A Cautionary Tale for Every Generation

Though based on a specific historical context, Animal Farm is not just about the Russian Revolution—it’s about how easily any revolution can be betrayed. The themes Orwell explores are universal: the dangers of blind loyalty, the ease with which ideals can be compromised, and the importance of holding leaders accountable.

By studying Animal Farm, students are encouraged to think critically about the systems they live in, the leaders they follow, and the principles they hold dear. It’s a call to vigilance, reminding us that freedom, once gained, must be actively protected.

4. Brevity with Depth

Another reason Animal Farm is so widely studied is its accessibility. At under 150 pages, it’s a short read—but every word is carefully chosen. It’s a masterclass in allegory, showing how a simple story can carry immense weight. Teachers find it a powerful tool for introducing students to literary devices like symbolism, irony, and satire, while still addressing deeply relevant political and ethical issues.

5. Relevance in Modern Contexts

From authoritarian leaders to the distortion of facts in public discourse, the world Orwell warned us about hasn’t disappeared—it’s just taken new forms. Whether it’s the manipulation of social media algorithms, the rewriting of historical narratives, or the slow erosion of civil liberties, Animal Farm gives us the tools to spot patterns and resist complacency.

George Orwell didn’t write Animal Farm to be timeless—but that’s exactly what it has become. By studying this deceptively simple tale, readers of all generations gain insight into the dynamics of power, the importance of truth, and the cost of apathy.

In a world that often feels like it's spinning faster than ever, Animal Farm asks us to slow down, reflect, and question. That, perhaps, is its greatest gift.

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”—George Orwell, Animal Farm

A single sentence, yet an entire warning. That’s why Animal Farm still matters.