Characters and Their Historical Equivalent
Who in Animal Farm represents Joseph Stalin?
Napoleon.
What revolution does the animals rebellion represent?
The Russian Revolution.
What does Animal Farm represent historically?
The Soviet Union.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” What does this quote reveal?
The hypocrisy of totalitarian regimes.
Why does Napoleon train the dogs from birth?
To create a loyal and violent enforcement force.
Which Russian leader does Snowball represent?
Leon Trotsky.
What historical event is equivalent to Snowball’s expulsion?
Trotsky’s expulsion by Stalin.
What does the song Beasts of England symbolize?
The socialist anthem.
What does “Four legs good, two legs bad” originally symbolize?
The simplicity of propaganda and manipulation.
How does Napoleon maintain his authority?
Through propaganda, fear, and purges.
Who symbolizes the working class in Animal Farm?
Boxer
What do Napoleon’s executions symbolize?
Stalin’s purges.
What does the construction of the windmill represent?
Trotsky’s industrialization plans.
What is the significance of “Napoleon is always right”?
It reflects blind loyalty to dictators.
What happens to Boxer, and what does it symbolize?
He is sent to the glue factory, symbolizing how totalitarian regimes exploit and discard workers.
Which character represents the Soviet press?
Squealer
What historical event corresponds to Napoleon and Frederick’s timber deal?
The non-aggression pact between Germany and the USSR.
What role does Mr. Pilkington play in the story?
He represents England.
“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.” What does this imply?
The corruption of power makes oppressors indistinguishable.
Why do the pigs walk on two legs at the end?
To show they have become as corrupt as humans.
Who symbolizes the Russian Orthodox Church in the story?
Moses
What World War II event does Frederick’s invasion of the farm represent?
Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union.
Who symbolizes the blindly obedient followers of the regime in Animal Farm?
The sheep.
What does the changing of the Seven Commandments represent?
The gradual distortion of ideology to justify dictatorship.
What message does Animal Farm ultimately convey?
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.