Napoleon
The theme of power corrupts those who wield it, leading to oppression and inequality.
Eric Arthur Blair
The farm symbolizes a society or state, representing the broader political landscape. I.E. Russia and the USSR
The animals' rebellion against Mr. Jones and his treatment of the animals.
Boxer
The theme of social class is portrayed through the division between the pigs (ruling class) and other animals (working class).
"1984"
The animals represent different social classes—pigs as the ruling elite, and other animals as the working class.
The animals establish their own rules and begin to run the farm collectively, initially improving their conditions.
Benjamin
Betrayal is a recurring theme, especially seen in the actions of the pigs towards the other animals.
Orwell wrote "Animal Farm" in the aftermath of World War II, during the rise of totalitarian regimes.
Boxer represents the hardworking but exploited working class, emphasizing their loyalty and eventual betrayal.
The animals become disillusioned when they realize that the pigs are exploiting them and changing the rules to benefit themselves.
Napoleon becomes increasingly tyrannical and corrupt, embodying the very traits he initially opposed.
Propaganda is used by the pigs to manipulate and control the other animals, distorting the truth to maintain power.
Orwell was a democratic socialist, and his political beliefs influenced his critique of authoritarianism in his works.
The Seven Commandments symbolize the ideals of equality and governance, which are gradually corrupted by the pigs.
The pigs increasingly isolate themselves and enjoy privileges that the other animals do not, leading to growing resentment.
Squealer uses persuasive language and misinformation to control the other animals' perceptions and maintain Napoleon's power.
The cyclical nature of history is illustrated by how the pigs eventually resemble the humans they overthrew, suggesting that revolutions can lead to similar outcomes.
Events such as his experiences in the Spanish Civil War and his disillusionment with Soviet communism shaped the themes in "Animal Farm."
The ending illustrates how totalitarian governments can emerge from revolutionary movements, with the pigs becoming indistinguishable from the oppressive humans.
The ending reveals that the pigs have become like the humans, symbolizing the failure of the revolution and the persistence of oppression.