The Political Struggle in Animal Farm: Evaluating Snowball and Napoleon

Categories: Novel

George Orwell's allegorical novel, Animal Farm, serves as a profound reflection of historical events, including the Bolshevik revolution, Trotsky's economic reforms, the Russian famine of 1921, and the Stalin era. Through its vivid characters and intricate symbolism, the novel portrays the communist takeover of Russia. This essay delves into the political struggle between Snowball and Napoleon, representing Trotsky and Stalin, to assess the effectiveness of their leadership and the impact on the diverse segments of the animal society.

Snowball: Visionary Leadership and Equality

Snowball emerges as a character deeply invested in the welfare of the animals on the farm.

In contrast to Napoleon, Snowball embodies the true essence of "Animalism," advocating for equality among the animals and striving to enhance their living conditions. His commitment to Animalism is demonstrated through his exploration of various books, broadening his knowledge to facilitate better working conditions for all animals.

An exemplary illustration of Snowball's commitment is his introduction of the windmill idea derived from one of Mr.

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Jones's books. This initiative reflects Snowball's desire to harness knowledge for the collective benefit of the animals. Furthermore, Snowball's courage is evident in his strategic leadership during the Battle of the Cowshed, drawing inspiration from the book of Julius Caesar. In this instance, Snowball exhibits a proactive approach, contrasting with Napoleon's tendency to retreat.

Beyond his intellectual prowess, Snowball possesses an intelligent and amicable character. Unlike Napoleon, Snowball employs persuasion rather than coercion to garner support for his ideas. His ability to articulate and explain concepts without relying on intermediaries like Squealer underscores his effective communication skills.

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Snowball's emphasis on committees for decision-making further reinforces his commitment to a democratic process within the political system of the Animal Farm.

Napoleon: Authoritarian Control and Personal Gain

Napoleon, in contrast to Snowball, adopts a leadership style centered on authoritarian control and personal gain. His primary focus revolves around consolidating power for himself, often employing force to achieve his objectives. Unlike Snowball's democratic ideals, Napoleon employs attack dogs to forcibly remove Snowball from the farm, emphasizing a reliance on coercion rather than discourse.

Napoleon's approach to leadership reveals a self-centered desire for control, devoid of a genuine commitment to the principles of Animalism. His short-term planning and lack of a comprehensive vision are evident in the strategies he employs. Unlike Snowball, Napoleon seems less concerned with the collective welfare of the animals and more focused on the immediate benefits he can accrue for himself.

The stark contrast between Snowball's emphasis on long-term planning and equality and Napoleon's pursuit of immediate power highlights the divergent political strategies employed by these characters.

Evaluating Political Strategies

Ultimately, the effectiveness of political leadership in Animal Farm is measured by the alignment with the principles of Animalism and the commitment to improving the lives of all animals. Snowball, with his visionary approach, strives to uphold the democratic ideals set after the expulsion of Mr. Jones. His emphasis on equality and long-term planning reflects a genuine dedication to the well-being of the entire community.

On the other hand, Napoleon's leadership is characterized by authoritarian tendencies and a focus on personal gain. His disregard for democratic principles and reliance on force reveal a leadership style that deviates from the intended ideals of Animalism. Napoleon's short-term planning further emphasizes a lack of a comprehensive vision for the farm.

In conclusion, Snowball's political strategy stands out as more aligned with the principles of Animalism and more conducive to the welfare of the entire animal community. While Napoleon may have succeeded in the power struggle, the corrupted leadership that ensues raises questions about the sustainability of his approach and its impact on the collective future of Animal Farm.

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Written by Liam Williams
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Keep in mind: this is only a sample!
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
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The Political Struggle in Animal Farm: Evaluating Snowball and Napoleon. (2016, Nov 12). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/napoleon-and-snowball-animal-farm-essay

The Political Struggle in Animal Farm: Evaluating Snowball and Napoleon essay
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