The Con of Animal Farm

I taught literature in a prison, and the book that changed everything was Animal Farm.

My students taught me that Chapter 1 is the oldest con in the book.

Marcus said Major reminds him of gang leaders. They find vulnerable people and convince

them they're victims. Major creates an enemy and teaches the animals to be unhappy,

creating discontent where none existed. The song unites them emotionally. You can't argue

with a song; you just feel it. Devon said Major is scarier than

Napoleon because he seems pure. That's how manipulators work. Power doesn't corrupt;

it reveals. Sometimes the corruption is in the very first promise.