CLASSIC: The Rise of the Chimera

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.

The novel follows Edward Prendick, a man who survives a maritime disaster and is rescued by a ship. He is eventually left on an island where he encounters Dr. Moreau, a scientist notorious for his vivisection experiments. On the island, Prendick discovers that Moreau has been conducting bizarre experiments to create 'Beast Folk' by genetically modifying animals to give them human-like characteristics. The story delves into themes of evolution, ethics in science, and the nature of humanity, highlighting the moral and societal implications of Moreau's experiments and the eventual collapse of his creations' adherence to the laws imposed upon them.