Animal Farm is a novella by George Orwell. Published in England in 1945, the book reflects events leading up to and during the Stalin era before World War II.
The book is about animals who start a Rebellion lead by two pigs Snowball and Napoleon and rule the farm by themselves following the principles of Animalism that states ”All animals are equal.” The term Animalism is an allegorical mirror of Communism and it reflects the author’s view of the Russian revolutionaries and government of how to practice it.
Characters:
Pigs:
Old Major, who inspired the rebellion but didn’t live it, He is an allegory of Karl Marx and Lenin, the founders of Communism.
Napoleon, An allegory of Joseph Stalin, Napoleon is the main villain of Animal Farm. Uses dogs “his secret police” and false propaganda to keep the other animals in line.
Snowball, Napoleon’s rival, mainly based on Trotsky. He wins over most animals and gains their trust by leading a very successful first harvest, but is driven out of the farm by Napoleon.
Squealer, Napoleon’s right hand pig and minister of propaganda, holding a position similar to that of Molotov. Squealer manipulates the language to excuse, justify, and extol all of Napoleon’s actions.
Humans:
Mr. Jones, The former owner of the farm, an allegory of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia who was executed by the Bolsheviks.
Frederick, the owner of the neighbouring farm. He buys wood from the animals for forged money and later attacks them. There are stories of him mistreating his own animals. He could be compared to Adolf Hitler.
Mr. Pilkington, the owner of another neighbouring farm. Could be a representation of Britain and The United States.
Other Animals
Boxer, a very loyal, kind and dedicated horse. He represents the working class.
Moses the Raven, An old crow who occasionally visits the farm, regaling its denizens with tales of a wondrous place beyond the clouds called Sugarcandy Mountain, where he avers that all animals go when they die—but only if they work hard. He is interpreted as symbolising the Russian Orthodox Church, with Sugarcandy Mountain an allusion to Heaven for the animals.
A very interesting short novel. Time magazine chose it as one of the 100 best English-language novels (1923 to 2005) and considered one of the Greatest Books of the Western World.
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