Adapted from George Orwell's Animal Farm, Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel is a graphic novel adapted and illustrated by Odyr. Artist and translator Odyr brings Animal Farm to life with his exquisite brush strokes and fantastic adaptation that seamlessly combines satire and fable.
First published in 1945, Animal Farm chronicles the revolt of animals against their farmer. All animals on the farm become subservient to the pigs once the revolution is under way. Chaos is unleashed. The pigs' corrupt stronghold oppresses and enslaves the animals. Using deception, Napoleon fools the farm animals into believing their lives are better under his guidance. It does not take long for the pigs to start exhibiting manlike characteristics. After living as man does, the pigs become friendly with the farmers. Farm animals were told that "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." Man and animal became equals and mistrust and misunderstanding were eradicated. A toast to the prosperity of The Manor Farm is raised by the pigs! The creatures looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; however, it was impossible to tell which was which.
This artwork is absolutely beautiful and compliments Animal Farm perfectly. This artwork on its own tells the story brilliantly. With Odyr's adaptation of Animal Farm into graphic novel form, readers can easily follow the storyline. There is a reading age range of 13-17 years old for this novel. Adults will also enjoy this adaptation. Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel is part of the Timberdoodle 2024 Tenth-Grade Curriculum Kit.
My daughter struggles with reading and comprehension due to a learning difference. In contrast to her five older siblings, I have realized that she won't be able to read many of the classic novels. When I realized that some classic novels are now available in graphic novel format, I was thrilled. Rather than getting bogged down in novel form, she can get a clear overview of what the novels are about in visual and abbreviated form.
This graphic novel is divided into 10 chapters. The book contains 175 pages in total.
The story begins with this beautiful artwork.
The Principles of Animalism: Seven Commandments
Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
Four legs, or wings, a friend.
No animal shall wear clothes.
No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
All animals are equal.
Several scenes in the novel depict violence and bloodshed.
Animal Farm allegorically depicts the 1917 Russian Revolution. Major Farm represents Russia. Farmer Jones depicts the Russian Czar. Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin are represented by Old Major, the pig. The pig Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. Josef Stalin is represented by Napoleon the pig. Propaganda is represented by Squealer the small fat pig. Symbolizing Russian laborers and workers is Boxer the horse. The puppies symbolize Stalin's secret police who were indoctrinated and trained by Napoleon to obey him at all costs. Collectively, the pigs represent the Russian government and political leaders. The raven Moses tells grand stories about Sugarcandy Mountain, which illustrates how communism exploits and pacifies the oppressed. Adolf Hitler is represented by the operator of Pinchfield, Mr. Frederick. The capitalist governments of England and the United States are represented by Mr. Pilkington.
In his artwork, Odyr does a terrific job portraying Napoleon the pig.
As the pigs gain power, they grow more aggressive and power hungry. Consequently, they become the oppressors of the animals they are supposed to help. As time goes on, they become no different from the humans they rebelled against.
There is no doubt that Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel is worth reading. I highly recommend it. If you are unfamiliar with the novel Animal Farm, this book could be a good place to start. Check out this and many other graphic novels on the Timberdoodle website.
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