Similarities Between Pol Pot And Napoleon
What is it that brings all dictators together in comparison? Is it their ruthless actions towards others? Could it be their thirst for power? Or maybe it's the fact that all dictators use others to gain for themselves. "He [Napoleon] would only be too happy to let you make your decisions by yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where would we be?" (Orwell page 50). These examples prove Napoleon, ruler of Animal Farm, and Pol Pot, ruler of Cambodia, are indeed similar. Pol Pot was Dictator of Cambodia and head of the Khmer Rogue from 1975-1979. The Khmer Rogue was a communist party within Cambodia. The Rogue first initiated a coup d'ētat in 1970, which sparked a civil war which lasted 5 years
…show more content…
For starters, both Napoleon and Pol Pot made attempts to rid parts of their 'old societies'. To do so, Napoleon burned all human tools and avoided the Manor House. He also pushed the animals to work harder than ever on the farm. "All that year the animals worked like slaves. But they were happy to work; they grudged no effort or sacrifice well aware that everything they did was for the benefit of themselves and those who would come after them." (Orwell page 5) Similarly, Pol Pot destroyed all existing jobs and forced everyone to work back breaking hours on a farm to create a classless peasant society. Secondly, both rulers used the aspect of fear to control the other people/animals in the community. Napoleon always roamed around with his retinue of dogs to drill fear into anyone willing to challenge his authority. He was always quick to kill anyone that might be against him, even if the evidence was not prominent. In the same way, Pol Pot used detention centers such as S-21, to drive some into such fear that they confessed to things they were innocent of. The last parallel between both rulers is that they both adopted names that made them appear to be friendly. Although this was deceptive, the point was to brainwash all into thinking that their ruler was a friend, not a foe. For example, Napoleon went by the title Comrade Napoleon in the beginning of the novel to gain the animals trust and support. "Loyalty and obedience are more important." (Orwell page 50). Likewise, Pol Pot changed his title to Brother Number One. What brings Napoleon and Pol Pot together in comparison, is their violent tactics, controlling power, and use of
For starters, both Napoleon and Pol Pot made attempts to rid parts of their 'old societies'. To do so, Napoleon burned all human tools and avoided the Manor House. He also pushed the animals to work harder than ever on the farm. "All that year the animals worked like slaves. But they were happy to work; they grudged no effort or sacrifice well aware that everything they did was for the benefit of themselves and those who would come after them." (Orwell page 5) Similarly, Pol Pot destroyed all existing jobs and forced everyone to work back breaking hours on a farm to create a classless peasant society. Secondly, both rulers used the aspect of fear to control the other people/animals in the community. Napoleon always roamed around with his retinue of dogs to drill fear into anyone willing to challenge his authority. He was always quick to kill anyone that might be against him, even if the evidence was not prominent. In the same way, Pol Pot used detention centers such as S-21, to drive some into such fear that they confessed to things they were innocent of. The last parallel between both rulers is that they both adopted names that made them appear to be friendly. Although this was deceptive, the point was to brainwash all into thinking that their ruler was a friend, not a foe. For example, Napoleon went by the title Comrade Napoleon in the beginning of the novel to gain the animals trust and support. "Loyalty and obedience are more important." (Orwell page 50). Likewise, Pol Pot changed his title to Brother Number One. What brings Napoleon and Pol Pot together in comparison, is their violent tactics, controlling power, and use of