What is a key message conveyed by the conclusion of Animal Farm?

The conclusion of "Animal Farm" powerfully illustrates the theme of the dangers of power and corruption. As the story progresses, the pigs, who lead the revolution, gradually become indistinguishable from the oppressive human rulers they initially overthrew. This transformation highlights how power can corrupt individuals and lead them to betray the very ideals that brought them to power in the first place. By the end of the novel, the farm’s original principles of equality and freedom are completely undermined, replaced by a new form of tyranny. The pigs' dealings with the humans demonstrate that those in power often adopt the oppressive behaviors they once resisted, showing a cyclical pattern of corruption. This message serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities inherent in any revolution, emphasizing that without checks and balances, leaders may exploit their authority for their gain, ultimately resulting in a continuation of oppression.