essay on power in animal farm

Power and Corruption in Animal Farm

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” is a quote from George Orwell’s novel, Animal Farm, that conveys a sense of the central themes of class, power and corruption, and language and propaganda that play out in the novel (112). Through the experiences and society created by a group of farm animals, Orwell is really suggesting that human society is flawed in many of the same manners that play out as themes in his book. Concerns over the separation of class, power and corruption wielded by those in positions of authority, and usage of language to manipulate and persuade others drive the storyline as Orwell supports how these themes translate to the human experience.

“Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer-except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs,” demonstrates how the animals are separated by class where some reap more benefits than others (Orwell 129). As the animals struggle to produce for the humans, not all the animals are treated the same or get the same rewards, so there is a class system among the animals. While some animals are aware of the inequality, others are not, which is how it plays out in human society. Orwell is trying to tell mankind to treat people fairly or society will suffer. If all the animals were equally productive and reaped the same benefits, then there wouldn’t be a plot to the novel. The separation of class is an important element in the upheaval that occurs in the book that highlights power and corruption.

“Napoleon is always right,” is a quote that demonstrates Orwell’s use of power and corruption in the novel (Orwell 56). No one can be completely right all the time, yet the animals look to Napoleon to solve all of their problems and they don’t think much past that. Orwell is highlighting how mankind blindly follows those in power because of the power they wield, but without thought to their motives. He is suggesting that society could benefit from thinking more about who people are instead of the power that they hold. There are good and bad people everywhere and just because they make it to a position of authority doesn’t mean they are right for the position. He is telling us to think for ourselves. Yet, as with the animals, not all the people are capable of thinking and understanding at the same level, so does this even work? Perhaps there is a need for authority, whether corrupt or not, to guide those who cannot think for themselves. Either way, Orwell is providing us a glimpse into the problems associated with blindly following power and authority when corruption is involved.

Orwell uses the seven commandments to highlight how language is used to manipulate and control the animals (Orwell 24-25). He continues this use of persuasive language throughout the novel to show how words can be used as propaganda to persuade others. This is much the same as human society. Propaganda is used to make people buy products through commercials, or endorse political ideas. Again, Orwell is suggesting the importance of thinking things through and not blindly following others. Words can be used to compliment, to hurt, or to persuade, so words should be considered very carefully.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm highlights themes that are shared by human society. Class, power and corruption, and language and propaganda are all concerns that can cause disruption and unhappiness. He points out that society is sort of built on a separation of class and an assignment of power to guide those who cannot guide themselves. He makes an interesting point for consideration that perhaps there is no society without these themes playing out, so that they are essentially a necessary evil. He is also concerned with fair treatment of all and leaves us to ponder if society can ever become fair.

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Animal Farm by George Orwell: Literary Analysis Essay

The significance of the novel’s title, the major themes emerging from the novel, important passages and their significance, the setting of the novel and its effects on the plot, the main characters and their motivations, important relationships among characters in the novel, the narrator of the story and impact of his perspective on the narration, the ending of the novel, recommendation of the novel, works cited.

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is often discussed as an allegorical story having the features of the fable and satire. The significance of the novella’s title is in its satirical nature. An animal farm is traditionally discussed as a place where animals are bred by humans. The farms are usually named after the owner. However, Animal Farm is rather different. It is a place where animals are owners of the properties (Orwell 6). While referring to the meaning and significance of the phrase which is used for the title of the novella, it is important to emphasize the opposition between animals and humans as well as their differences.

The name “Animal Farm” is chosen by the characters in order to accentuate the meaning of this specific place where animals can rule instead of humans and without being exploited by them. However, the ownership of the farm by animals is a rather provocative idea. While focusing on the fact that the purpose of the novella is to present the political regime in the Soviet Union before World War II, it is possible to state that the title is significant because it stresses on the inhuman nature of Joseph Stalin’s regime.

Providing the title for the work, Orwell seems to ask the questions about the differences in the regime of the Soviet Union and irrational rule of animals at the farm. The satirical title is significant because the reader also starts asking questions about the political and social meaning of the work’s message and ideas. Using the metaphor in the title, Orwell draws the readers’ attention to the Animal Revolution as his allegory to demonstrate the results of the Russian Revolution of 1917. That is why, the title is significant to represent the double meaning of the story and stimulate the readers’ interpretation of the literal and allegorical aspects of the title’s meaning.

The major themes represented in the novella are the leadership and power in the Soviet Union, corruption, inequality, the role of an individual in the society, exploitation, and control. In his novella, Orwell discusses the power in the Soviet Union as unlimited and focused in the hands of the elite, as it is typical for the totalitarian governments. These leaders are allegorically described in the characters of pigs which are powerful, but selfish, brutal, and vicious.

The theme of corruption is discussed with the help of stating that the absolute power makes people corrupted or depraved because of receiving the unlimited resources. Thus, those pigs which were the leaders of the Animal Revolution betrayed their ideals and principles and chose to live in Manor’s house because of the convenience and extreme desire to satisfy their needs while ignoring the needs of the other working animals.

These animals chose to follow the principle “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” (Orwell 112). Thus, Orwell also discusses the themes of inequality and the role of an individual in the society. In spite of the fact that the Animal Revolution was declared to be organized for the welfare of all animals, only the leaders received the real benefits. The same situation was observed in the Soviet Union. The social stratification and the division into rich and poor were not overcome, but these problems were hidden now.

The other significant themes discussed in the fable are exploitation and control supported by the leaders of the revolution. The pigs were satisfied with the work of hard-working animals, but any differences in the views could result in violent punishment. This allegory represents how Stalin chose to resolve the problems with dissenters. Thus, the institution of control in the Soviet Union was People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs, and the guarantee of the pig’s control was dogs which were used to persecute dissenters.

The first passage that attracts the reader’s attention is Major’s speech about the role of a man in the world. Thus, Major states in his speech, “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing…Yet he is lord of all the animals” ( Orwell 6 ). Major notes that a man makes animals work, but he does not care about them and only “prevent them from starving” ( Orwell 6). Major persuades the animals that they are better than men, and they have to rebel while focusing on the threats of exploitation. This statement reflects the Socialists’ arguments declared during the Revolution period. However, the significance of the passage is in the fact that the pigs forget about their statements and ideals while receiving some power, and they begin to exploit the others.

In Chapter 3, the principles of the Socialists’ attitude to work and the belief of the poor men in the better future are reflected. The horse Boxer becomes the inspiration for each animal at the farm because he follows the principle “I will work harder!” (Orwell 25). This principle is actively followed by lower class animals, but it is also used by the pigs to exploit workers. The ideology prevents these animals from seeing the real situation at Animal Farm.

The expulsion of Snowball with the help of dogs can be discussed as the important allegorical description of the struggle between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky observed in the Soviet Union. Napoleon used any means to realize his goals. Thus, he even used dogs to fear Snowball and other animals, “there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws” (Orwell 48). Napoleon could not support his leadership with the other resources, and he used violence to state his high social position. This moment is symbolic to represent the deterioration of any Socialist principles declared at Animal Farm.

The next significant passage is about judging Snowball as a scapegoat. This moment is important to describe the reality of Animal Farm and make the reader think about the Soviet Union. Snowball was accused of any crime at the farm only because he did not support Napoleon. Thus, “If a window was broken or a drain was blocked up, someone was certain to say that Snowball had come in the night and done it” (Orwell 66). This situation is the first step in persecution of ‘suspicious’ animals who were killed because of possible relations with Snowball. Thus, the authorities used all the cruel methods to justify and support their regime while violating the basic principles of their ideologies.

The setting of the novella is imaginary Manor Farm located in England. This place becomes the communal territories owned by the animals after the Animal Revolution. The time period associated with the described events is not stated clearly. Animal Farm becomes the place where animals live according to the principles of Animalism and equality of all the animals. These equal animals have the only enemy in men who previously exploited them (Orwell 4).

Concentrating on the allegorical meaning of the novella, it is possible to note that the setting of the story is the Soviet Union after the period of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and during the rule of Joseph Stalin. The setting can be considered as affecting the plot significantly because all the described events occur at Animal Farm where animals try to develop the communal way of life. This farm becomes the place where the pigs win the people and receive the power.

It is possible to state that the story could be told in a different setting, but the features of the fable can be lost because the main distinctive feature of the novella is its allegorical character. While putting the characters of the novella in the real-life setting, it is possible to discuss the moments from the history of the Soviet Union without using any allegories and metaphors in order to accentuate the dramatic features of the regime. That is why, this story about the corrupted leaders and exploited workers presented in a different setting can be discussed as ineffective to reveal the author’s main idea.

The main characters of the novella are Napoleon, Snowball, Boxer, Squealer, and Old Major. The character of Napoleon is based on the personality of Joseph Stalin. This ambitious pig tries to become a leader at Animal Farm after the death of Old Major. Napoleon uses all the means to achieve the goal, and these means are mostly persuasive speeches and unlimited violence. As a result, Napoleon can be described as a political tyrant.

The character of Snowball is based on the personality of Leon Trotsky, the main rival of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. Snowball is an idealist, and he also wants to become a leader at Animal Farm, but he fails because of avoiding the use of extremely violent means and because of basing only on clear reasoning. That is why, Napoleon makes Snowball to become a scapegoat in order to receive the opportunity to cope with the smart competitor.

Boxer is a cart-horse who represents the working class at Animal Farm. Boxer works hard in order to contribute to the farm’s intensive development. He is loyal, strong, naïve, and dedicated to the ideals of Animalism. Boxer can be discussed as motivated by the belief in the better future and achievements of the working animals.

Squealer is a pig who develops the active propaganda at Animal Farm in order to support Napoleon’s ideas and personality (Orwell 20). This pig speaks in a language that is understandable for other animals, and he is motivated by possible Napoleon’s appraisal.

Old Major is an old pig whose character is written basing on the personalities of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Old Major is rather wise, and he is focused on finding better ways for living at farm while avoiding the exploitation of the animals as the lower class (Orwell 3-4).

The character to whom it is possible to relate oneself is Boxer. This cart-horse is the appropriate choice because he discusses the hard work as the only way to build the better future, and he tries to inspire the others to do their best to create something good.

The novella is based on the description of the problematic relationships between Napoleon and Snowball. These pigs are rivals in their fight for leadership at Animal Farm. In spite of the fact that both Napoleon and Snowball orient to receiving the unlimited leadership and influence, the methods which they use to complete the goals are different. That is why, Napoleon who uses violence and fear becomes more powerful than Snowball who uses reasoning. Although Napoleon and Snowball start applying the ideals of Animalism to the regime at Animal Farm as a team, they need more leadership after the death of Old Major. These relations are typical for the ruling class where the fight for power is not only extreme but also prolonged.

The other type of relationships is described with references to workers Boxer and Benjamin. Orwell describes these animals’ relations the following way, “the two of them usually spent their Sundays together in the small paddock beyond the orchard, grazing side by side and never speaking” (Orwell 4). The horse and the donkey represent different visions and attitudes to the world and situation, but they live to support each other. Boxer can be described as more enthusiastic and positive while discussing the ideals of Animalism. Benjamin is more passive in spite of the fact that he understands the real situation at Animal Farm. Benjamin chooses not to do anything to fight cruelty of Napoleon’s regime. Thus, this character represents the visions of the majority in the Soviet Union.

The narrative point used in Animal Farm is third-person, and this point of view can be discussed as impersonal and omniscient because Orwell is not presented as a character in the work. First, it seems that the narrator’s perspective is limited, but then it can be found that readers know more than animals which are discussed in the story. Thus, the anonymous narrator not only retells the actions of the animals, but he also presents the motives and thoughts of such characters as Napoleon, Squealer, Boxer, and Benjamin (Orwell 3-14). As a result, this perspective can affect the way according to which the story is told and understood by the reader. The used approach helps accentuate the differences observed in the pigs’ words and their actions toward horses and other animals who work hard to support the commune.

The narrator can also be described as detached, and there are more opportunities for the author to present and develop the allegorical meaning of the novella while focusing on the real motivation of such characters as Napoleon and Squealer while comparing their words, thoughts, and actions with the activities of the other animals at the farm (Orwell 58-64). This point of view is effective to be used in the allegorical novella because the reader can understand all the hidden meanings of the described activities and words while referring to the narrator’s ironical remarks and hints. That is why, the choice of the perspective is rather appropriate to address the idea or message of this satirical story.

The ending of the novella can be discussed as appropriate to represent the result of corruption of the ideals and principles developed at Animal Farm. Thus, animals betrayed their ideals because of the benefits of working with their human enemies. However, the last scene demonstrates that animals and men have many features in common because of their focus on cheating, exploiting, and expanding only their own properties. The quarrel between animals’ leaders and people observed by the other animals through windows of the house reveals that “the creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which” (Orwell 118). Thus, Orwell effectively stresses on how tyrants can use the ideals against the lower classes and support their power with the methods used by the previous leaders.

Animal Farm should be recommended for reading to others because this allegorical novella is helpful to understand the nature of the totalitarian regimes which can be based on the effective ideals. Furthermore, the novella is interesting to help readers become detached from the historical reality associated with the Russian Revolution and look at the events from the other perspective. The satirical anti-utopian story makes the reader think about the true nature of many things observed in different types of the society. In his work, Orwell effectively discussed the threats of the totalitarian regimes which can be corrupted because of the aspects of the human nature. That is why, the novella can be actively recommended to the readers to look at the political events from the perspective of the satirical fable.

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1990. Print.

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Animal Farm

George orwell, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on George Orwell's Animal Farm . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Animal Farm: Introduction

Animal farm: plot summary, animal farm: detailed summary & analysis, animal farm: themes, animal farm: quotes, animal farm: characters, animal farm: symbols, animal farm: theme wheel, brief biography of george orwell.

Historical Context of Animal Farm

Other books related to animal farm.

• Full Title: Animal Farm
• When Written: 1944-45
• Where Written: England
• When Published: 1945
• Literary Period: Modernism
• Genre: Allegorical Novel
• Setting: A farm somewhere in England in the first half of the 20th century
• Climax: The pigs appear standing upright and the sheep bleat, “Four legs good, two legs better!”
• Antagonist: Napoleon specifically, but the pigs and the dogs as groups are all antagonists.
• Point of View: Third Person

Extra Credit for Animal Farm

Tough Crowd. Though Animal Farm eventually made Orwell famous, three publishers in England and several American publishing houses rejected the novel at first. One of the English editors to reject the novel was the famous poet T.S. Eliot, who was an editor at the Faber & Faber publishing house. One American editor, meanwhile, told Orwell that it was “impossible to sell animal stories in the U.S.A.”

Red Scare. Orwell didn’t just write literature that condemned the Communist state of the USSR. He did everything he could, from writing editorials to compiling lists of men he knew were Soviet spies, to combat the willful blindness of many intellectuals in the West to USSR atrocities.

Essay about The Language Of Power In George Orwells Animal Farm

The novel Animal farm is a memorable fable that has an allegorical level to the Russian revolution. The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is about animals in England who rebelled against man to gain power over their lives, but in the end the leaders become what they professed to hate. Power can easily corrupt any system if it has been used wrongly. Orwell shows how the minority in power uses vague language to control the thoughts and beliefs of the majority in the lower classes. The language of power has made Animal Farm very different because it has been given to the wrong person who can’t handle it.

The language of power has broken commandments, led to the classification of social classes, and the elimination of allies. The language of power has broken commandments in Animal Farm because power has corrupted the system and people are using it to get what they wanted. In the novel Animal Farm, the Seven Commandments represent the animal’s dreams after they overthrow Mr. Jones in Chapter Two. It does not take long, however, before the commandments are broken by the powerhungry and corrupt pigs. The commandments were written on the walls of the barn by Snowball and Napoleon.

The seven commandments are: 1. “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. 2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. 3. No animal shall wear clothes. 4. No animal shall sleep in a bed. 5. No animal shall drink alcohol. 6. No animal shall kill any other animal. 7. All animals are equal. ” (Orwell 21). There were seven commandments and 4 of them were broken by the pigs as a result of the language of power. The first commandment that was broken was no animal shall sleep in a bed, the one who broke the commandment was Napoleon. It was about this time that the pigs suddenly moved to the farmhouse and took their residence there” (Orwell 61).

This quote proves that one night the pigs went into the farmhouse and slept on the beds. This quote is significant because the pigs and the other animals hated the humans and broke the commandments. The other animals were very upset when they heard that the pigs were breaking the commandments. “Nevertheless, some of the animals were disturbed when they heard that the pigs not only took their meals in the kitchen and used the drawing room as as a recreation room, but also slept in beds” (Orwell 61).

This quote is important because the animals were very angry because all of the animals followed these commandments and now the pigs are starting to break them. The commandment was later edited by the pigs to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets. ” (Orwell 61). The second commandment that was broken was “No animal shall kill any other animal. ” This commandment was broken by Napoleon when he and his dogs slaughtered any of the animals that had confessed to the crimes that were thought to be committed by snowball. “They were all slain on the spot.

And the tale of confessions and executions went on, until there was a pile of ying before Napoleon’s feet and the air was heavy with the smell of blood, which had been unknown there since the expulsion of Jones” (Orwell 76). This quote is important because the animals have always been together and were supposed to be a family, they had worked together to get rid of Mr. Jones and now they are destroying each other. The third commandment was “No animal shall drink alcohol. This commandment was broken when the pigs sold Boxer to get alcohol.

“Word went around that from somewhere or the other the pigs had acquired he money to buy themselves another case of whiskey” (Orwell 111). This quote is important because the pigs are supposed to be supervising and checking on the farm, however they just get drunk and don’t care. The fourth and final commandment that was broken was “All animals are equal” and this was the final and most important commandment to the other animals. “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. ” (Orwell 118). This quote is significant because this was the law that brought them together and made the animals feel like they were in a family and now its gone.

The language of power has broken commandments in Animal Farm because power has corrupted the system and led the government to it’s destruction. The language of power has led to the classification of social classes as a result of some animal acquiring more power and rose to the top and was considered more important than others. The animals who had more power were at the top of the social class pyramid, whereas the others who had little or no power were forced to the bottom and were given instructions and harmful jobs that were expected to be completed.

At the bottom we have the other animals that have no power and do all of the work. The first piece of evidence is a quote that is said by Orwell to the reader, which shows that the animals do all the work and the pigs do nothing. “every animal down to the humblest worked, except for the pigs” (Orwell 24). This quote is significant because it shows that the animals are the ones who are hard at work while that pigs just lay there doing nothing. The pigs give wrong justifications for the selfish actions, they manipulate the rules to get what they want and a prime example of that is the windmill apples and milk. Milk and apples (this has been proved by science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. ” (Orwell 31).

This quote is important because it shows that the pigs have outsmarted the other animals because they are not well educated like they are, they are getting what they want which shows how much power they have. It is bad enough as it is that the animals work but they do not have breaks and are treated badly which shows just shows that they have no power over anyone which makes them at the bottom of the social class pyramid. throughout the spring and summer they worked a sixty-four-hour week, and in August Napoleon announced that there would be work on Sunday afternoons as well. ” (Orwell 54). This quote is important because it shows how little power the other animals have compared to the pigs. At the top of the social class pyramid we have the pigs who have all the power who do not do anything on the farm.

This quote happened when the animals had been working on the harvest and the pigs were not doing any of the work. “The pigs did not actually work, but dictated and supervised the others. (Orwell 23). This quote is important because it shows that the pigs have all the power because they do not do any of the work and no one ever talks about how unfair they are being. This quote happened when Old Major was saying a speech and the animals were coming in to listen, and the pigs came at the front. “Then the pigs who settled down in the straw immediately in front of the platform. ” (Orwell 2). This quote is very important because its shoes that the pigs are considered more important from the beginning of the story.

In conclusion, power has led to the classification of social classes which are reflected in the actions of the animals. The language of power has led to the elimination of allies; this is because when power is placed it corrupt absolutely everything leaving the holder of the power eliminate people so no one can have as much power as him. This quote occurred when Napoleon killed snowball by making the dogs run after him until they caught him. “They dashed for straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape. ” (Orwell 48).

This quote is significant because it shows that Napoleon has led power get to him and killed Snowball so he couldn’t have much power as him. This quote occurred when Boxer was in need to go to a hospital but Napoleon sent him to his death by sending him to a glue factory. “Muriel began to spell out the words. But Benjamin pushed her aside and in the midst of a deadly silence he read: Alfred Simmons, Horse Slaughter and Glue Boiler, Willington. ” (Orwell 108). This quote is significant because Napoleon lied to all the animals by telling them that Boxer was sent to the hospital.

This quote happened when Napoleon when he and his dogs slaughtered any of the animals that had confessed to the crimes that were thought to be committed by snowball. “They were all slain on the spot. And the tale of confessions and executions went on, until there was a pile of corpses lying before Napoleon’s feet and the air was heavy with the smell of blood, which had been unknown there since the expulsion of Jones” (Orwell 76). This quote is very important because power led Napoleon to kill other animals so they cannot be more powerful than him.

In conclusion The language of power has led to the elimination of allies because power has made people hungry for more and with people all wanting power you need to eliminate them to make it easier for yourself to get power. In conclusion The language of power has broken the commandments that were the laws that the animals lived by, created social classes based on the amount of power that each animal has, and the the elimination of allies. The commandments that were broken have changed the daily life on the farm and crushed the trust that the animals had with the pigs.

The creation of social classes made everything totally unfair, it was created because some animals acquired more power and rose to the top and were considered more important than others. The language of power has led to the elimination of allies because when power is placed it corrupts absolutely everything leaving the holder of the power eliminate people so no one can have as much power as him. The final analysis is that the power of language can corrupt any system if it was given to the wrong person, and that the language of power determines your social class and if you have rights or not.

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Themes - Edexcel Power and control in Animal Farm

A theme is an idea that runs throughout a text. In Animal Farm, the themes of class, equality and inequality, and power and control are explored.

Part of English Literature Animal Farm

Power and control in Animal Farm

Power and control is one of the most important themes in Animal Farm . Orwell explores political power - Mr Jones owns the farm and the animals and uses his men and whips to keep them under control and maintain his power.

Orwell shows that the animals have the power to challenge Mr Jones' control and take over the farm - using power in a positive way. He then explores how the pigs use rhetoric close rhetoric Artful persuasive speaking. and propaganda close propaganda Information, often biased or misleading, designed to persuade people to adopt a particular point of view. to establish themselves in power and take control of the farm. It is interesting that the working animals, especially Boxer the horse, have great physical power but they don’t use it to break free from the control of the pigs.

Old Major is partly based on Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Karl Marx, was a German philosopher who lived during the 19th-century. His ideas formed the basis of communism close communism A classless society where all property is owned publicly. - his ideas are collectively known as ‘Marxism’, like ‘Animalism’ in the novel. He developed theories on how power structures in society keep people under control. Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary who established a form of ‘Marxism’ in Russia in the early 20th-century.

Orwell explores the idea of power leading to corruption. Many of the characters in the novel are eventually corrupted by the power they have, particularly the pigs, as they manipulate their position of leadership to exploit other animals.

How is the theme of power and control shown in the novel?

In Animal Farm , Orwell explores power and control through:

• Mr Jones exploiting his power and treating the animals badly
• the rebellion and how the animals use their power to take over the farm
• the pigs and how they cleverly control the other animals

Analysing the evidence

How does Orwell explore power and control in Animal Farm ?

Show answer Hide answer

• Mr Jones uses his power over the animals. It is suggested that Mr Jones uses physical violence to maintain control of the animals - they sing about the 'crack' of his whip in the song 'Beasts of England'.
• The animals use their own power to take control of the farm. They gang up on Mr Jones and his men and physically kick them off the farm.
• The pigs use the power of speech or rhetoric to maintain their control of the other animals.
• Napoleon uses fear to control the farm.

More guides on this topic

• Plot summary - Edexcel
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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Animal Farm — Animal Farm: Rhetorical Analysis

Animal Farm: Rhetorical Analysis

• Categories: Animal Farm George Orwell

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Words: 538 |

Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 538 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

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Manipulation.

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Snowball’s Allegorical Role in “Animal Farm”

This essay about Snowball in “Animal Farm” explores his allegorical representation of Leon Trotsky and the broader themes of revolution and betrayal. It highlights Snowball’s intellectualism, passion for Animalism, and his plans for the farm’s improvement, drawing parallels to Trotsky’s role in the Russian Revolution and subsequent exile by Stalin, represented by Napoleon in the novella. The essay delves into how Snowball’s character reflects the idealism of revolutionary leaders and the corruption of revolutionary ideals by those who seek power. It also discusses the use of propaganda and historical revisionism to maintain control, as seen in Snowball’s vilification after his exile. Through Snowball’s story, Orwell is shown to critique the betrayal of revolutions by their leaders and the manipulation of truth by those in power, making Snowball a symbol of both the promise and the peril of revolutionary idealism.

How it works

George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” exemplifies the artistry of allegory, employing a deceptively simple narrative of rural fauna to probe into the realms of authority, decadence, and insurrection. Amidst the ensemble of characters, Snowball, the articulate swine, emerges as a figure of notable complexity, epitomizing profound ideals. To grasp Snowball’s significance within the narrative is to embark upon an inquiry into the essence of Orwell’s critique of Soviet Russia and, on a broader scale, the essence of revolutionary endeavors.

Snowball is widely construed as a personification of Leon Trotsky, a pivotal figure in the annals of the Russian Revolution and the nascent Soviet entity. Analogous to Trotsky, Snowball exhibits sagacity, fervor for the cause, and zealous advocacy for enhancements to the creatures’ existence. His stratagems for the wind-powered mill and assorted committees to refine farm productivity echo Trotsky’s intellectual pursuits and endeavors to modernize and industrialize Russia through the Five-Year Plans. However, akin to Trotsky’s fate, Snowball’s tenure on the farm is truncated by his coercive expulsion at the hands of Napoleon, symbolizing Joseph Stalin. This ousting heralds the cessation of Snowball’s direct sway over the farm, yet his legacy and the trepidation he instills in Napoleon persistently influence the farm’s political dynamics.

Snowball’s portrayal in “Animal Farm” transcends his depiction as Trotsky. He embodies the idealism and imperfections inherent in revolutionary leadership. Snowball sincerely espouses Animalism and endeavors to forge a utopia for all creatures. Yet, his stratagems and conceptions, though innovative, encounter opposition and ultimately become weapons turned against him by those lusting for dominion. This mirrors Orwell’s broader commentary on the degeneration of revolutionary ideals and the subversion of revolution by its leaders. Notably, the windmill project serves as a symbol of the promise and subsequent betrayal of the revolution, appropriated by Napoleon to consolidate his dominion and hegemony over the farm.

Furthermore, Snowball’s persona underscores the potency of propaganda and historical revisionism in perpetuating supremacy. Following his banishment, Snowball is demonized and held culpable for all the farm’s tribulations, notwithstanding his genuine contributions to the creatures’ cause. This distortion of truth and history mirrors the vilification of Trotsky and other political adversaries by the Soviet regime, underscoring Orwell’s apprehensions regarding the facile distortion of facts by those in authority.

In summation, Snowball’s character in “Animal Farm” constitutes a multilayered allegory for Leon Trotsky and the destiny of revolutionary leaders ousted by those they empower. Through Snowball, Orwell navigates themes of idealism, betrayal, and the erosion of revolutionary principles by individuals seeking personal aggrandizement. Snowball’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale regarding the intricacies of political dominance and the fragility of noble ideals in the face of unscrupulous manipulation. Consequently, Snowball emerges as one of Orwell’s most captivating and contemplative characters, encapsulating the tragedy of revolution betrayed and the eternal conflict between idealism and cynicism in the quest for a more equitable world.

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Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm". (2024, Mar 25). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/

"Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm"." PapersOwl.com , 25 Mar 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm" . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 12 Apr. 2024]

"Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm"." PapersOwl.com, Mar 25, 2024. Accessed April 12, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/

"Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm"," PapersOwl.com , 25-Mar-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/. [Accessed: 12-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Snowball's Allegorical Role in "Animal Farm" . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/snowballs-allegorical-role-in-animal-farm/ [Accessed: 12-Apr-2024]

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