Animal Farm Characters: The Symbols of Power and Corruption

When George Orwell published Animal Farm in 1945, he created one of the most powerful and enduring allegories in modern literature. At its core, the book tells the story of animals who rise up against their human oppressors, only to descend into a brutal dictatorship ruled by a pig named Napoleon. As a satirical commentary on the rise of authoritarianism and the abuse of power, Animal Farm uses its colorful and unforgettable cast of characters to paint a clear and resonant picture of how that power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned of revolutions.

Old Major - The Idealistic Dreamer

The story’s catalyst is the wise and elderly Boar, Old Major, who represents the idealistic individuals that often dream of a better world. Old Major is based on historical figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, who laid the groundwork for what would become the Soviet Union. His vision of an animals-only utopia is incredibly compelling and stirs many of the animals to action. Through his character, Orwell demonstrates that while these ideas may be born from a genuine desire for equality and justice, they are easily corrupted and twisted when power comes into play.

Napoleon - The Authoritarian Leader

The primary antagonist of Animal Farm, Napoleon the pig represents the corruption of power and the rise of authoritarianism. He is a clear embodiment of Joseph Stalin, who led the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until his death in 1953. Napoleon’s actions in the story mirror many of Stalin’s real-life actions, such as the expulsion of political rivals, manipulation of the media, and the use of fear to maintain control over the population. As one of the early adopters of the animals’ revolution, Napoleon seeks to co-opt the movement for his personal gain, becoming a tyrannical leader in the process.

Snowball - The Passionate Dissident

Snowball is another pig who appears to have the interests of the revolution at heart. He represents the passionate and charismatic individuals that often rise to prominence during a revolution, only to be discarded when their ideologies become inconvenient. Snowball is an analogue for Leon Trotsky, an eloquent and influential figure in the early days of the Soviet Union who clashed with Stalin and was ultimately cast out. This conflict is reenacted in Animal Farm when Snowball attempts to implement progressive policies, only to be thwarted and chased away by Napoleon’s vicious dogs.

Squealer - The Propagandist

Squealer is the mouthpiece of Napoleon and his regime, serving as the perfect embodiment of the role of propaganda in an oppressive government. He consistently manipulates language and facts to present the pigs’ actions as justified or even noble, all while propagating a cult of personality around Napoleon. Squealer’s role is central to the pigs’ ability to maintain their power, as he allows them to control the narrative of the revolution and keep dissenting voices in check, ultimately creating an environment in which the other animals are too afraid or misinformed to challenge the ruling class.

The Dogs - The Enforcers of Control

Napoleon’s loyal enforcers, the dogs, represent the instruments of violence and control that authoritarian regimes use to keep their population in check. In particular, these dogs are reminiscent of the Soviet Union’s secret police forces, such as the NKVD, who ruthlessly suppressed opposition to the regime. Trained by Napoleon from a young age, the dogs are a potent symbol of how brutal power structures can manipulate and exploit individuals to become the tools of their own oppression.

Conclusion

Orwell’s allegory of power and corruption in Animal Farm remains timeless as it continues to resonate with current global events. Its cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder of how all-too-human flaws like greed, ambition, and the lust for power can lead well-intentioned people astray, and how even the purest of ideals can be twisted and perverted by reality.

Animal Farm’s story may have been inspired by a specific historical context, but its underlying themes make it a valuable and ever-relevant read. If you haven’t had a chance to read or listen to this captivating book, we encourage you to buy it here.