Topic > A theme of abuse of power in Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and George Orwell's "Animal Farm"

What tools can a government use to manipulate its citizens? Why would a government choose to be unscrupulous towards its fellow citizens? Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, and Animal Farm, by George Orwell, provide examples of abuses of power and how it is in the hands of citizens to demonstrate resistance in these situations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The novel Fahrenheit 451 is written in a futuristic setting governed by suffering and misery, or a dystopia. This book is seen through a social lens that explores what would happen if technology took over our daily lives and also if censorship was applied. On the other end of the spectrum, Animal Farm's backdrop includes an abandoned farm in a countryside where animals bring a longed-for utopia to life. This book can be interpreted in two different ways; a story about the rebellion of farm animals or a satire and allegory reminiscent of the Russian Revolution. While each novel is different in some ways, a universal theme is shared; when a government abuses the power it holds, social reform is necessary before individuality becomes outmoded and society begins to dissolve into an oppressive condition. “War against a foreign country occurs only when the rich classes think they can profit from it” (Orwell). George Orwell's quote definitely connects to his novel and its themes. In Animal Farm, when Napoleon starts trading with neighboring farms, it symbolizes that Napoleon, the wealthy class, believes he will profit from the deal which also shows the right characterization of a pig and his greed. Although the pig's beliefs about making money were true, it affected the other animals due to the way Napoleon spent the profits; buy whisky. Animal Farm seems like a simple story about a group of animals, however, there are various political and social implications throughout the book. George Orwell published this book a year after the Russian Revolution and revolved the novel around the war. As a matter of fact, all the characters in his work resembled someone who played a role in the Revolution. For example, Napoleon symbolizes Joseph Stalin who, in reality, desired power and killed all those who contradicted him, which is exactly like the seemingly powerful pig. Furthermore, Napoleon has his nine guard dogs around him which may resemble the loyalty between the Nazis and Adolf Hitler; they will carry out his orders. The book also shows how realism is an important part of idealism; when the windmill was destroyed, alternative plans had to be executed. “A terrible sight met their eyes. The windmill was in ruins” (Orwell 57). "'No more delays, comrades?' said Napoleon after examining the footprints. "There is work to be done. This very morning we will begin to rebuild the windmill, and we will build it all winter, rain or shine'" (Orwell 59) .Fahrenheit 451 features some distinctive themes throughout the book is how the increasing exposure to technology is endless and can be overwhelming for those without self-control what technology can do to a person. ("How long will it take before we save up and tear down the fourth wall and put a fourth TV on the wall? It's only two thousand dollars," says Mildred. "'It's a third of my pay." annual,'" Guy, the husband, replies. "'It's only two thousand dollars,' he replied, 'And?