Background (Animal Farm)

George Orwell’s novel ‘Animal Farm’ was first published in 1945 and was based on the history of Russia from the fall of the last Tsar to the Russian Revolution and the life of the Russian people under the rule of Joseph Stalin.

Orwell wrote what was in essence a simple tale that could be read and understood by almost everyone but on different levels.

In the novel, Orwell makes implicit references to and direct comparisons with Russian political figures.

The novel is an allegory. It is a critique of the Russian Revolution and a condemnation of life under Communism.