Comparison of Values: Animal Farm and V for Vendetta Joonhwy Kwon 11th Grade

George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ is an allegorical fairy tale which is profound in its condemnations of totalitarian regimes. The novel explores the concepts of propaganda, totalitarianism and tyranny impacting on the oppressed society with the use of animal characters to expose the evils of exploitation. Similar to ‘Animal Farm’, ‘V for Vendetta’ directed by James McTeigue, explores the same concepts through characterisation of the main character, V, who juxtaposes the idea of individuality and the rebellion against forced conformity. The film demonstrates the rebellion of citizens against injustice of an oppressive government of England who have immense control over the community. It also reveals the difference in the phases of tyranny – ‘V for Vendetta’ is about rebellion and freedom from tyranny, whereas, ‘Animal Farm’ begins with the chaos of driving out the government (Jones). McTeigue and Orwell both resonate with audiences today by warning to the future society that a government body can potentially become corrupt due to the inability to govern excessive power.

McTeigue and Orwell similarly demonstrate the concept of propaganda and corruption in a anthropomorphic way to explore the values of their times through the stories...