What happens when the farm animals decide to have a barnyard revolt? Revolution, that is. What begins with good intentions and dreams of equality turns into a nightmare when little by little the “authorities” (the pigs) change the rules, benefiting themselves and killing anyone who stops them, until there is no longer any difference between the rule of man and the rule of pigs.

It’s pretty obvious Orwell was referencing Communism, with the ancient boar giving out his wisdom before his death, and the two pigs in charge representing Trotsky and Stalin, followed by a steep descent into tyranny. But I don’t think he favored the rule of man either, as they are one and the same, capitalism and communism, both milking the cow for all it’s worth. As a socialist, it would make sense that he favored the middle ground, with equal representation and food for all, but when the citizens fail to fight for their rights, an evil leader can easily take control and sway the opinions of the obedient livestock. (Also, notice his tools; the ignorance of the flock, the bending of the rules, and the threat of the dogs.)