Analysis of Napoleon in George Orwell's Animal Farm

George Orwell's Animal Farm, a literary masterpiece crafted in the style reminiscent of Aesop's fables, employs anthropomorphic animals on an English farm to allegorically narrate the tumultuous history of Soviet communism. Within this allegorical framework, Napoleon emerges as a pivotal character, drawing direct parallels to the notorious Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin.

Napoleon's Rise to Power: Machinations and Deception

Orwell introduces Napoleon as a 'large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire Boar.' His imposing physicality, coupled with a mysterious silence and a reputation for unyielding determination, foreshadows a leadership style rooted in strength and authority.

When Old Major, the venerable boar who instigated the Rebellion, passes away, Napoleon and Snowball, both boars, collaboratively distill Major's principles into a comprehensive philosophy known as Animalism. This newfound ideology becomes the guiding force for the animals on the newly christened Animal Farm after their triumphant rebellion against Mr. Jones.

While Snowball, the more vocal and ideologically driven boar, focuses on education and organizational aspects, teaching the animals to read and forming committees for the farm's betterment, Napoleon, a shrewd strategist, quietly maneuvers behind the scenes.

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Under the guise of preparing the next generation, he positions himself strategically for a power grab against Snowball.

The Dichotomy between Napoleon and Snowball: Ideals Collide

Orwell skillfully contrasts Napoleon and Snowball, accentuating their conflicting ideologies. Snowball advocates for pure communism, emphasizing equal benefits for all, while Napoleon reveals a penchant for power and control. The dichotomy becomes palpable during committee meetings, especially concerning Snowball's visionary proposal to build a windmill for the farm's improvement.

Napoleon consistently opposes Snowball, even resorting to disruptive acts like 'urinating over the plans.' This not only highlights his antagonistic attitude but also reveals a lust for power that transcends the welfare of the collective. The tension escalates when Napoleon, driven by jealousy and cowardice, orchestrates Snowball's expulsion using a pack of intimidating dogs, strategically separated from their mother, Mollie, at birth.

Napoleon's Authoritarian Rule: The Erosion of Utopian Ideals

With Snowball out of the picture, Napoleon consolidates his grip on power. The once covert schemer now emerges as a dictator, issuing authoritative 'announcements' at meetings and suppressing any remnants of Snowball's influence. He manipulates the narrative by spreading lies about Snowball's allegiance to Mr. Jones, effectively eliminating dissent.

Public meetings vanish, replaced by Napoleon's unilateral decisions, and Squealer, his articulate spokesperson, becomes the mouthpiece for his regime. Napoleon's consolidation of power is marked by the alteration of the original commandments, a clear deviation from the farm's initial ideals. The animals, once united in their pursuit of a utopian society, now find themselves subject to the whims of a leader who prioritizes personal gain over collective welfare.

Napoleon's Descent into Corruption: The Farm's Tragic Transformation

As the narrative unfolds, Napoleon's character takes a darker turn. Initiating talks with neighboring farmers, he not only mirrors human-like behaviors but adopts them, mirroring the very figures the animals rebelled against. This transformation alienates the other animals, who witness the pigs' deviation from their revolutionary principles.

Significantly, Napoleon's indulgence in human vices, such as dressing like a human, walking on two legs, and consuming alcohol, reflects a blatant betrayal of the initial ideals of Animalism. The farm, once a symbol of rebellion against human oppression, now succumbs to the same corrupt practices it sought to escape. The once egalitarian Animal Farm becomes a dystopia under Napoleon's increasingly tyrannical rule.

Conclusion: Napoleon's Betrayal of Ideals and the Warning for Posterity

In conclusion, George Orwell masterfully crafts the character of Napoleon as a secretive, manipulative, and power-hungry leader. Initially presented as a boar of strength and authority, Napoleon's ascent to power is marked by betrayal and the abandonment of the principles of Animalism. He undermines Snowball, alters commandments, and transforms Animal Farm into a dictatorship where dissent is quashed, and lies prevail.

Napoleon's ultimate descent into corruption, emulating the very humans the animals rebelled against, completes the tragic arc of Animal Farm. Orwell's allegory serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of ideals in the face of self-interest. Napoleon, once a symbol of rebellion, becomes the embodiment of the corruption he vowed to eradicate, leaving readers with a poignant warning about the fragility of utopian ideals in the face of unchecked authority.