Pig's Role in Animal Farm by George Orwell

Pigs' Role in Animal Farm by George Orwell

At the start of the novel Orwell describes the pigs to be the

"cleverest of the animals." This is clearly an advantage and so leads

to the pigs taking over the farm. There is a sense of leadership very

soon after Old Major's death as the three pigs, Snowball, Napoleon and

Squealer arrange meetings with the other animals and already begin to

give orders. "You do not need sugar," says Snowball. It is evident

here that Snowball believes that he has power over the other animals

already. Further on during the second chapter Snowball and Napoleon

send for a ladder, proving that they think they can use the animals to

do jobs and progresses more in chapter 3 when they believe that they

can direct and supervise the other animals and not actually do the

work themselves. In chapter two Napoleon says, "Comrade Napoleon will

lead the way." Using the word "lead" shows that the pigs think of

themselves as more than just teachers and even have their own

headquarters soon after. It is clear to us that the pigs are using

their intelligence to trick the other animals and play mind games with

them.

Orwell describes Snowball as a "more vivacious pig than Napoleon." We

can see this whilst he is still on the farm, as he is always doing

things to benefit the whole of the farm, not just himself whereas

Napoleon is. "Snowball made a little speech, emphasizing the need for

all animals to be ready to die for Animal farm if need be." It is

evident from this quote that Snowball is very passionate about the

farm and will do anything to improve it. His passion for the farm is

very much shown at the battle of the cowshed where he is in charge of

the attack against Jones and other farmers. ...

... middle of paper ...

...oleon-we have won every inch of it back

again!" Squealer is making it out to be a good thing maybe because

Napoleon wants the animals to still think of him as a great leader.

The animals soon believe that what they have done is great and so join

in with the celebrations. Another use of Squealer by Napoleon is to

increase the belief that Snowball is a menace so they think of

Napoleon as a better leader and Snowball as a traitor. Napoleon is

always maintaining his power throughout the novel and also uses

Squealer to do this by giving credit to Napoleon for everything and

reminding the animals that he is a great leader even if what he is

doing is wrong. This way the pigs are able to benefit greatly from

communism which is what they wanted from the rebellion. They show no

interest in improving the farm itself but only in the strength of

their power over it.