Marxism theory relating to the movie Animal Farm?

Answer 1

When trying to relate Marxism to 'Animal Farm' it's useful to look into his theories of political consciousness and the fact he believed that one's thoughts usually came from one's political/economic circumstances.

It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness. MARX

Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is based on the indictment of the communist betrayal of the ideals the Soviet Union was founded on. He tells the story in the form of a fairy tale, clearly depicting the different animal's positions and power over one another.

Marx investigated the role of ideology and how we as humans make conscious and unconscious decisions. For example, Marxists believe that cultural, religious, and ethical decisions are all products of consciousness and influenced by ideological 'pressures'. Marx believed that ideologies explain the distribution of wealth and power in society and lead people to accept the status Que and the subordinate people end up believing in their subordination.

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Animal Farm' is based on a social movement and Marx's view on consciousness and political consciousness can be used to help describe this. For example we can look at Marx's classless society theory and how the working classes through a revolution would unite and share in the 'wealth of labour.' Class consciousness is strong in Orwell's story and much of Marxism is based on that, but mainly it's necessary to discuss political consciousness, ideology and social class - all important factors to Marxists.

The prized boar, Old Major, is the main animal who got the rebellion started. (He died before it started). we can compare Old Major's role to Lenin and Marx whose ideas were to lead to the communist revolution. Animal Farm perpetuates Marx and Lenin's convictions of democratic Socialism. Lenin became leader and teacher of the working class in Russia, and their determination to struggle against capitalism.

This is a link to a study guide which compares 'Animal Farm v Marxism' you might find it useful.