Knowledge: A Sufficiency Economy Condition Obstructed in George Orwell’s Animal Farm

Abstract

The study aims at investigating 1) knowledge according to Sufficiency

Economy Philosophy (SEP) portrayed by Napoleon and Snowball, the main

characters, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm; 2) to what extent the two main

characters portray it; and 3) what are the reasons behind the portrayals of it.

The qualitative method is used in this study, and the results are presented in a

form of descriptive analysis. The study finds that Napoleon and Snowball have

knowledge according to SEP. They acquire it from a wide variety of books.

Additionally, Napoleon depicts himself as a brainworker who uses only brain

to work. Unlike Napoleon, Snowball is demonstrated to understand and prac-tice the knowledge in many ways as well as possessing an inventive skill. Also,

Snowball is found being able to write, read, answer a question as well as giving an

explanation and a speech. The reasons behind Napoleon and Snowball’s

portrayals of having the knowledge in terms of SEP and being knowledgeable

are to exploit the animals and replace human farm owners. The study also

finds that the lack of morality and moderation causes the benefits of knowledge

to be blocked for all. As a result, Napoleon and Snowball are still demonstrated

as being infatuated with greed for power, materialistic ideals, and moral

devastation. Meanwhile, the farm animals are fixed into a servitude condition

eternally.