Illustrating George Orwell's Animal Farm: A Journey of Working Through Penguin Classic Archives

Illustrating George Orwell's Animal Farm: A Journey Through Penguin Classic Archives

As an avid reader and illustrator, I recently took on the task of bringing George Orwell's iconic novel, ‘Animal Farm’, to life through my own artwork. I delved into the Penguin Classic brief archives

One pivotal moment in my illustrations came when I chose to interpret the powerful poem "Beasts of England"—a poignant anthem of hope that ultimately fades away. In ‘Animal Farm’, "Beasts of England" symbolizes the initial aspirations and dreams of the animals after they overthrow the oppressive human farmer. It embodies their hopes for a better future, where they can live freely and equally. However, as the narrative unfolds, this hope is cruelly extinguished. The song is eventually abolished by the pigs, signifying not only the betrayal of the revolution but also the death of hope itself. For my illustrations, I decided to illustrate the poem ripped up, a metaphor for the loss of that hopeful vision. The tearing the poem evokes a powerful sense of despair and disillusionment. I wanted viewers to feel the weight of that loss, to understand that the dream of a better life had been smothered by the very leaders who promised change. I used a darker palette, to reflect the grim reality that sets in. The torn pieces of the poem starkly contrasted against the somber tones, serving as a visual reminder of what was lost. I hand drew the poem and the lettering for the book cover. This creative process taught me a lot about the importance of art in conveying deep emotions and social commentary. Through my illustrations, I hoped to spark conversations about the fragility of hope and the often painful realities of revolutions. Orwell’s work remains relevant today, reminding us that ideals can be manipulated, and the quest for equality must be vigilantly protected. Illustrating ‘Animal Farm’ was more than just putting images to words; it was an exploration of hope, betrayal, and the harsh truths of power. I hope that through my drawings, others can engage with Orwell's message and reflect on the significance of maintaining our dreams and ideals in the face of adversity.