How Does Joseph Stalin Use Satire In Animal Farm

942 Words2 Pages

A Dictator and A Greedy Pig
In his allegory, Animal Farm, George Orwell, uses satire to compare the aggressive Russian Communist leader Joseph Stalin, with Napoleon the pig. Stalin, as depicted by Orwell, is shown as both literally and figuratively a pig though symbolism. Napoleon and Stalin are both manipulative leaders who take over their nation through propaganda. Yet, there are some important differences between the two as well.
Napoleon represents Stalin in the novella. Many of Stalin’s famous political campaigns are also shown by Napoleon. A similarity between the two is their abuse of power. Stalin’s main goal as a leader was to consolidate all of Russia’s power. He was successful by making himself the sole dictator of Russia. Likewise, …show more content…

He forced the animals to call him “in formal style as ‘our Leader, Comrade Napoleon,’ and the pigs liked to invent for him such titles as Father of All Animals, Terror of Mankind, Protector of the Sheep-fold, Ducklings-Friend, and the like,” (64). Additionally, Napoleon secretly changed the Seven Commandments to his benefit throughout the allegory. One of which outlawed drinking alcohol. However, after the pigs discovered whisky, it mysteriously changed to read, “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess,” (75). Both rulers used forms of propaganda to manipulate their followers. Stalin gained wide support by using children in his political propaganda. Napoleon used Squealer, another pig on the farm, to spread exaggerated or false information to ensure loyal followers. Under command of Napoleon, Squealer spread such sayings as “Long live Animal Farm! Long live Comrade Napoleon! Napoleon is always right,” (85). One of their main similarities is the massacre of their enemies. Stalin famously executed anyone who disobeyed or challenged him. He launched the event called the Great Purge, where Stalin prosecuted and executed anyone who opposed the Communist Party in order to …show more content…

Mainly, Napoleon just represents Stalin as a leader, but Orwell also wrote him to symbolize many other political tyrants. For example, the pig Napoleon additionally represents Napoleon Bonaparte, as the name implies. Bonaparte rallied the French people, only to abandon their democratic political system and rise in power as their emperor. Other minor differences come their different political programs. While Napoleon’s vicious attack dogs do represent the KGB; unlike Napoleon, Stalin did not kidnap children, or puppies, to reeducate or brainwash them into protecting him. This tactic could be a reference to Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Germany during this time. He established the Hitler Youth, a program designed to brainwash children into becoming the future Nazi of Germany. Lastly, Napoleon and Stalin had drastically different views on religion. Stalin was a Russian Orthodox Christian, but became atheist when he joined the Communist Party. Under his reign, he enforced atheism to be taught in schools. He spread the belief that religion was damaging to the perfect communist society. Stalin created a nationwide campaign to destroy thousands of churches and religious property in Russia. Contrary to this, Napoleon did not fight to end religion. Napoleon, along with the other pigs, did not believe in Moses the crow’s stories about Sugarcandy Mountain, “and yet they allowed him to remain

Open Document