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How does George Orwell make fun of bureaucracy in Animal Farm?

In his satirical novella "Animal Farm", George Orwell uses various literary devices and narrative elements to poke fun at bureaucracy and its dysfunctions. Here are a few ways in which Orwell satirizes bureaucracy in the book:

1. Exaggeration and Absurdity: Orwell exaggerates the bureaucratic tendencies of the pigs, who eventually take control of the farm. The pigs create an elaborate hierarchy, bureaucracy filled with unnecessary committees, forms, and paperwork. Orwell uses this exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of bureaucracy and how it can become more important than the actual work that needs to be done.

2. Satirical Naming: Orwell gives satirical names to the committees and bureaucratic structures on the farm. For instance, the Propaganda Committee is named "Ministry of Truth," the department in charge of food rations is called "Ministry of Plenty," and the secret police is referred to as "Animal Records Department." These names satirize the doublespeak and euphemisms often employed by bureaucracies to disguise their true nature and the real state of affairs.

3. Bureaucratic Jargon: Orwell employs the use of bureaucratic jargon and meaningless phrases to satirize the language often found in bureaucratic documents. The pigs, and especially Squealer, use complex and confusing language, which often contains empty platitudes and slogans, such as "Four legs good, two legs bad" or "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This satirizes the way bureaucracy can hide behind complex language to mask its inefficiencies and lack of transparency.

4. Inefficiency and Stagnation: Orwell portrays the pig's bureaucratic system as inefficient and stagnant, hindering the farm's productivity and progress. The pigs become more concerned with maintaining their power and their privileged positions rather than improving the farm's conditions for all the animals. Orwell satirizes the inefficiencies, delays, and the stifling of progress due to bureaucratic processes and hierarchies.

5. Animal Parallels: Orwell's use of animal characters allows him to draw parallels between the behavior of animals and the traits often associated with bureaucracy. The pigs, for instance, represent the bureaucratic elite who wield power and control, while the other animals symbolize the masses who are affected by bureaucracy's decisions.

Overall, George Orwell uses satire, exaggeration, and clever naming to criticize and ridicule the shortcomings of bureaucracy in "Animal Farm." Through his satirical portrayal, Orwell highlights the dangers of unchecked bureaucracy, its dehumanizing effects, and the ways it can undermine the principles of equality and fairness.

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