Sunday, October 13, 2019
Truth and Hypocrisy in Animal Farm and The Scarlet Letter :: essays research papers fc
Truth and Hypocrisy In Animal Farm and The Scarlet Letter                Lies are often distorted into truth by those in power, who eventually become hypocrites as they continue to delude for selfish gain. In the process of this distortion, they will do everything possible to conceal and maintain their hunger for dominance and deference. This theme of truth ( or lack thereof ) and ultimate hypocrisy is skillfully shown through Napoleon in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Reverend Dimmesdale in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.      One of the most notable characteristics shared by Napoleon and Reverend Dimmesdale is their ability to skillfully twist lies into the truth. In Animal Farm, Napoleon is relentless in his deception of the other animals. According to Graham Greene ( Bloom, 1996, 21), he is a â€Å"consummate powermonger†who can skillfully undermine any idea that isn’t his own. The first signs of his dishonesty are shown when he hoards the milk and apples, with a message to the others that â€Å" It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples.†( Orwell, 52 ) From there, the lies only increase in frequency and size. It’s easy to compare this to the deceptive nature of Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale of The Scarlet Letter. The young minister veils his sin from his Puritanical community by â€Å"cultivating an image that is far from the real truth.†( Johnson, 14) From the revelation of Hester’s scarlet letter to that of his own, Dimmesdale conceals his shame by portraying himself as a â€Å"miracle of holiness†. ( Hawthorne, 139) Thus, both Napoleon and the minister share the negative attribute of fraudulence throughout their respective novels.      Another notable comparison between the two novels is that both Napoleon and Dimmesdale lie for ambition. This is distinctly observable in Animal Farm, where the pigs take the immediate initiative to establish themselves as the leaders. Napoleon is instantly placed as a head, being the only Berkshire boar on the farm that has â€Å" a reputation for getting his own way.†( Orwell, 35 ) From the moment the animals beat Jones out of the farm, it’s obvious that Napoleon is shrewdly planning to fill the farmer’s position. He envisions plans that will benefit only himself, yet â€Å"make him appear to be working for everyone’s advantage.†( Allen, 37 ) Thus, he will rise in the animals’ eyes as a caring and considerate leader. This is exemplified by his
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