Animal Farm 1945 - George Orwell

 Animal Farm 1945 - George Orwell

Second World War

1 September 1939 

2 September 1945

‘Animal Farm’ (17 August 1945) 

Opening Image:

Manor Farm is introduced, depicting the oppressive rule of Mr. Jones over the animals, setting the stage for the story.

Theme Stated:

Themes of oppression, revolution, and the desire for equality are subtly introduced as Old Major, an elderly pig, delivers a speech about animal rebellion.

Set-Up:

Animals on the farm are discontented with Mr. Jones' cruel treatment. They unite under the leadership of the pigs, Snowball, and Napoleon, planning a rebellion.

Catalyst:

The animals revolt against Mr. Jones, taking control of the farm and renaming it "Animal Farm," symbolizing the beginning of their quest for freedom.

Debate:

The animals discuss the principles of Animalism and their vision for a fair society. Some animals express doubts about the pigs' leadership.

Break into Two:

The animals establish their own rules, the Seven Commandments, and begin working towards building a society where all animals are equal.

B Story:

Snowball and Napoleon's rivalry over leadership emerges, foreshadowing a power struggle that will affect the farm's future.

Fun and Games:

The animals experience a period of productivity and hope, working together to improve the farm and envisioning a Utopian society.

Midpoint:

Snowball presents plans for a windmill, symbolizing progress and modernization. Napoleon opposes the plan, leading to a pivotal debate and division among the animals.

Bad Guys Close In:

Napoleon orchestrates a violent ousting of Snowball, consolidating power and establishing a dictatorship, violating the principles of Animalism.

All Is Lost:

The animals realize that the leadership of the pigs has become similar to the humans they had initially revolted against, undermining the ideals of equality.

Dark Night of the Soul:

The pigs increasingly abuse their power, altering the Seven Commandments to justify their actions, and the other animals feel disillusioned and powerless.

Break into Three:

The pigs fully transform into human-like oppressors, engaging in trade with humans and changing the fundamental principles of Animalism.

Finale:

The animals witness the pigs entertaining humans, and they cannot differentiate between the pigs and the humans, highlighting the loss of the revolution's ideals.

Final Image:

The animals observe the pigs through the farmhouse window, realizing the pigs have become indistinguishable from humans, symbolizing the ultimate betrayal of the revolution's principles.

This re-arrangement showcases how "Animal Farm" follows the beats of Blake Snyder's story structure, tracing the animals' journey from rebellion to the corruption and betrayal of their ideals by those in power.

George Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, was inspired to write "Animal Farm" by a combination of political events, ideologies, and his observations of the socio-political climate of his time.

Orwell was deeply concerned about the rise of totalitarian regimes, particularly Stalinist communism in the Soviet Union. The events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a dictatorial regime under Joseph Stalin greatly influenced Orwell's views. He was initially sympathetic to socialist ideals but became increasingly critical of the Soviet Union's betrayal of those principles, leading him to denounce totalitarianism and authoritarianism.

The idea for "Animal Farm" was sparked by Orwell's disillusionment with the Soviet regime and his observations of how revolutions that aimed to establish equality often resulted in the consolidation of power by a select few. The novella is an allegorical representation of the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era. Orwell used animal characters on a farm to symbolize various figures and events from Russian history, such as Joseph Stalin represented by the character of Napoleon the pig, Leon Trotsky embodied by Snowball, and the proletariat depicted through the other animals.

Orwell aimed to highlight the corrupting nature of power, the manipulation of language and propaganda, and the dangers of totalitarianism through the story of "Animal Farm." The novella served as a satirical critique of Stalinism and totalitarian regimes, as well as a broader commentary on the potential for power to corrupt even the noblest of intentions.

Overall, Orwell's motivations to write "Animal Farm" were rooted in his commitment to exposing the dangers of authoritarianism and advocating for democratic socialism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles and social justice.

Shadows of Surveillance

Shadows of Surveillance

Opening Image:

In present-day India, the country is under the control of a totalitarian government known for its strict surveillance and control. Citizens live in fear, monitored by pervasive government agencies.

Theme Stated:

In a society marked by fear and discrimination, whispers of dissent are met with harsh repercussions. The government's propaganda fuels Islamophobic sentiments, fostering division and mistrust.

Set-Up:

We meet our protagonist, Maya, a young woman navigating the oppressive society, trying to blend in and survive while witnessing the discrimination faced by marginalized communities, including Muslims.

Catalyst:

Maya encounters a group of activists working to expose the government's injustices. She grapples with the decision to join their cause and challenge the oppressive regime.

Debate:

Maya wrestles with the risks of opposing the government and the potential consequences for herself and her family. She debates whether to stay silent or take a stand.

Break into Two:

Maya decides to join the activists, driven by a desire for justice and equality. She starts working undercover, gathering evidence of the government's discriminatory practices.

B Story:

As Maya delves deeper into the resistance movement, she forms unexpected alliances and relationships, finding solidarity among individuals from diverse backgrounds who share her ideals.

Fun and Games:

Maya and the activists execute covert operations, revealing the government's atrocities and spreading awareness. They use technology and underground networks to amplify their message.

Midpoint:

The government discovers Maya's involvement in the resistance, leading to a chase and a narrow escape. The movement faces a setback as the government intensifies its crackdown.

Bad Guys Close In:

Surveillance on Maya and the activists escalates. Some members are arrested or disappear. Fear and uncertainty grip the resistance, testing their resolve.

All Is Lost:

Maya is captured by government forces. She faces interrogation and solitary confinement, feeling isolated and hopeless as the movement faces its darkest hour.

Dark Night of the Soul:

In captivity, Maya questions her choices and wonders if her actions were futile. She reflects on the sacrifices made by her friends and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Break into Three:

Maya receives unexpected help from an insider sympathetic to the cause, providing her with an opportunity to escape and continue the fight.

Finale:

Maya reunites with the remaining activists, and they plan a final, daring act of defiance. They expose the government's atrocities to the world, igniting public outrage and leading to widespread protests.

Final Image:

Maya stands among a crowd of diverse citizens, united in their demand for justice and equality, symbolizing the hope for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

second version 

Title: "Harmony Amidst Shadows"

Opening Image:

In present-day India, a totalitarian regime reigns, exploiting communal tensions to maintain power. The government propagates Islamophobia, fostering division among communities.

Theme Stated:

The narrative subtly introduces themes of unity, tolerance, and the importance of embracing diversity amid a society plagued by fear and discrimination.

Set-Up:

Meet Arjun, a young journalist disillusioned by the government's divisive tactics. He witnesses the systemic discrimination against minority communities, especially Muslims.

Catalyst:

Arjun discovers a hidden community of diverse individuals committed to promoting communal harmony. He grapples with the decision to join their cause and challenge the oppressive regime.

Debate:

Arjun wrestles with the risks of opposing the government's agenda. He debates the consequences for himself, his loved ones, and the potential impact of taking a stand against injustice.

Break into Two:

Motivated by a sense of justice and the vision of a united India, Arjun decides to infiltrate the regime's propaganda machinery and expose their manipulation tactics.

B Story:

As Arjun delves deeper into the resistance movement, he forms bonds with individuals from different backgrounds, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. Together, they advocate for tolerance and unity.

Fun and Games:

Arjun and his allies engage in covert operations to reveal the government's divisive strategies. They utilize media, social networks, and grassroots efforts to spread messages of harmony.

Midpoint:

The government identifies Arjun's involvement in the resistance. He narrowly evades capture, but the movement faces a setback, forcing them to reevaluate their strategies.

Bad Guys Close In:

Surveillance on Arjun and his allies intensifies. Some members face threats, arrests, or disappearances. The movement's unity is tested as fear grips the resistance.

All Is Lost:

Arjun feels the weight of responsibility and questions the effectiveness of their efforts. The movement seems on the verge of collapse, and communal tensions rise further.

Dark Night of the Soul:

In a moment of despair, Arjun reflects on the sacrifices made and the necessity of preserving unity amidst adversity. He finds strength in the shared commitment to communal harmony.

Break into Three:

A pivotal breakthrough occurs when unexpected support from influential figures within the regime emerges, offering a chance to expose the government's divisive tactics.

Finale:

Arjun and the coalition of diverse allies orchestrate a daring plan to reveal the truth to the public. They stage peaceful protests, emphasizing unity and rejecting division.

Final Image:

Arjun stands amidst a crowd of diverse citizens, representing India's rich tapestry of cultures and religions, united in their call for communal harmony and embracing diversity.

This story outline aims to promote communal harmony by showcasing the power of unity and tolerance amidst a polarized society. It leverages Blake Snyder's beats to structure a narrative that highlights the importance of embracing diversity and standing against divisive forces to create a more inclusive and harmonious society.