The timeless warning that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” was the focal point of a seminar at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) today, where George Orwell’s classic novel, *Animal Farm*, was analyzed as a profound commentary on societal hierarchies and the corrosion of ideals.
The academic gathering, titled ‘All Animals Are Equal, But Some Are More Equal Than Others,’ was arranged by the English Literary Society (ELS) of the Department of English. The session featured Mr. Rashid Mehmood, a senior faculty member, as the keynote speaker.
Mr. Mehmood initiated the discussion by underscoring the novel”s importance as a work of political and social critique. He explained Orwell”s symbolic use of animal characters to represent human behaviors and the structured nature of society.
The speaker elaborated on the “Seven Commandments” within the story, detailing how their gradual distortion by the ruling class served as a metaphor for the decay of revolutionary principles. He connected this narrative arc directly to the central message about the corrupting influence of unchecked authority.
The event attracted a considerable audience, with students from the English department and other faculties in attendance. A lively question-and-answer period followed the main talk, allowing attendees to engage directly with Mr. Mehmood, who provided insightful responses that deepened their understanding of the allegory”s context.
In his concluding remarks, Ali, President of the English Literary Society, extended his gratitude to Mr. Mehmood for his valuable contribution. The seminar was widely praised by participants as an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of one of literature”s most enduring political fables.