Collectivist Debate

The Collectivist Debate

The Debate and It's Effects on Literature

George Orwell's Animal Farm

Description

The Rise to Power

This socialist debate soon spilled over to the popular literature of the time. In particular, George Orwell became strong critic of the socialist ideals. In particular, his 1946 book Animal Farm accurately depicts a cartoon adaption Hayek introduced following the publication of his book The Road to Serfdom.

In Orwell’s book we see the introduction of central planning coming from war-time necessity. The reader is also introduced to the central planners, the pigs (Napoleon, Snowball, and Squeaker) who take it upon themselves to teach and organize the other animals on the Manor Farm for the upcoming rebellion. The pigs push forward the idea of rebellion with the promise that no mouths will go unfed and that every animal would be free. As we move to chapter 3 in Animal Farm we can see that directly view themselves as the supervisors and are becoming like the planner is Hayek's Road to Serfdom. On page 30 we read that “the pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume leadership.” Around this time we can see the pigs planning, instituting resolutions, and forming committees

Similarly, the cartoon portrays the idea of planning begin due to war-time situations in order to fully mobilize the nation's economy. In the same regard as Orwell's book, the cartoon demonstrates that once the war (or rebellion) is over, the planners want to stay in power and promise a Utopian society with hopes of remaining in power.

The cartoon then demonstrates a potential flaw of planning is that the planners cannot agree on a single plan. The argument is based on the fact that for each individual planner has an incentive to get their particular plan passed and will not cooperate with others. Not only that, but the cartoon shows that even if plan is introduced, citizens often disagree whether it was the correct plan (often these disagreements occur between two different groups of people (e.g. farmers and factory workers)).

On page 34 we see that Orwell captures the potential flaw that Hayek discusses when he contends "Snowball and Napoleon were by the most active in the debates. But it was noticed that they were never in agreement: whatever suggestion either one of them made, the other could be counted on to oppose it." As the book continues the reader is brought to the attention of the windmill debate. Here we see Snowball presenting the idea of the windmill, and Napoleon vehemently opposing it. At one point he (Napoleon) urinates on the construction plans. We also see at this time, that the plan of building the windmill has also divided the farm into two factions.

Two parties are formed (1) with Snowball and for the construction of the windmill and (2) with Napoleon and against the construction of windmill. During a great debate, Napoleon seizes power using 9 enormous dogs who he has under his control. These dogs chase out the only opponent,Snowball, leaving only Napoleon to become the leader of Manor Farm.

Here we notice a slight discontinuity between the cartoon and the events within Animal Farm. Within the cartoon the people become tired of the fighting and constant disagreements among the planners want to get a man who can make the plan work. However, the end is the same in both the literature and the cartoon. The "strong man" (Napoleon) takes power and has complete control over the daily workings of society. On page 62 we see how propaganda plays a important role in ensuring obedience and loyalty from all of the animals. After Napoleon has taken control of the farm, Squealer (another pig) is sent around to explain the situation to all the other animals. He begins by arguing about the sacrifice that Napoleon has made and that leadership brings heavy responsibility. He also proclaims that "bravery is not enough, loyalty and obedience are more important." He also threatens that disobedience will bring back their enemies.