To Feed or not to Feed?

A view of Animal Farm

Phoebe Jane Gargaro (columnist of the Year)

The only animal-run farm in the world-that we know of-is presently being managed by a larger than life pig. Napoleon,39, is a majestic boar with a rather unpleasant temperament. The Weekly Comet visited the farm just yesterday to view for ourselves the greatly discussed progress of the animals. We were quite surprised to be led straight into the farmhouse, only catching a glimpse of the barn, which looked to be in disrepair. Bony animals were hauling lumps of rock up the slippy slopes of the farm. We inquired about their miserable faces and were given a list of unfeasibly high figures of the farm's performance in reply, spoken in the proud, dulcet tones of this snorting leader. Napoleon then talked of the damage that the farm had undergone, thanks to a seemingly traitorous villain. Snowball, 37, had previously ruled alongside Napoleon at the farm, but had sought sole leadership. Napoleon said,'He attempted sabotage; he wanted to destroy all that had been created. He was my friend, my colleague, my companion, and I cannot express how disappointed I am.' Napoleon began to pant, and became rather red in the face. His anger was a little scary, I saw other animals stop and shrink when his voice was raised. Outside the window, it was noticeable that there had been a frost, and animals fed on a diet of chaff and mangels. The lunch being prepared for the pigs looked like a feast fit for a king.

This columnist feels that all is not well at this farm; the animals cannot feast on chaff and mangels forever, as they will become ill, especially in this harsh frost. The pigs appear to have a higher status and do not contribute to the farm work, instead they rest and give orders. I am sure that I could detect the smell of alcohol from one of the Pigs. It was also difficult to believe the rosy picture that Napoleon painted of life on animal farm - the animals looked very unhappy and I came away from the farm feeling a little sad.