Despite his charm and persuasive abilities, Napoleon was a great liar. He managed to convince Jessie and Bluebell that he would provide an education for their puppies, but instead he intended to use them as his personal “bodyguards.” Additionally, he opposed Snowball’s plan to build a windmill for the betterment of the animals. After Snowball’s expulsion from the farm, Napoleon cunningly manipulated the naive animals into believing that the windmill plans were originally his own and accused Snowball of theft. His cruelty became evident when he executed innocent animals who were forced to falsely confess to crimes they did not commit.
The individual had the intention of having .NET Boxer sent to the knackers for slaughter, despite knowing that the horse’s motto emphasized its determination to work harder and its unwavering loyalty to Comrade Napoleon. Furthermore, this individual displayed slyness by shifting blame onto Snowball for any misfortunes that occurred on the farm. With a selfish and arrogant nature, this individual made the animals’ lives unbearable by forcing them to work tirelessly while enjoying a leisurely existence themselves. Their greediness was evident when they readily accepted Frederick’s higher price for timber, resulting in a significant financial loss due to counterfeit banknotes.
Furthermore, he traded Boxer for money at the knacker’s yard. Throughout the novel, he managed to confuse and break nearly all of the commandments. Ultimately, Napoleon started sleeping in Jones’ bed, eating from Jones’ plate, consuming alcohol, donning a derby hat, walking on two legs, engaging in trade with humans, and even sharing a toast with Mr. Politicking. Gradually, Napoleon transformed into a mysterious figure who secluded himself and rarely appeared publicly. Eventually, he organized a reconciliatory meeting with neighboring human farmers and effectively usurped Mr. Jones’ position as the dictator.
Napoleon exemplifies the archetype of a dictator or tyrant who ignores the welfare of the general public, instead striving to accumulate more and more authority for the purpose of establishing his own regime. Boxer, a magnificent creature standing at nearly eighteen hands high and possessing the combined strength of two average horses, sports a white stripe on his nose which lends him a somewhat unintelligent appearance. Boxer, an unwavering equine comrade of the farm, proves to be an invaluable asset to the rebellion and the overall functioning of the farm. His diligent work ethic is evident as he rises early in the morning to engage in labor, aligning with his personal creed of “I will work harder.”
According to this maxim, working harder allows any problem to be solved. Boxer also demonstrates his worth as the most valuable member of the windmill-building team. Although not bloodthirsty like during the Battle of Cowshed, Boxer feels deep remorse when he believes he has killed a boy. However, his immense strength is accompanied by an equally remarkable innocence and naivety. Boxer lacks intelligence, as evidenced by his inability to learn beyond the letter D in the alphabet and his frequent gullibility towards Squealer.
The text highlights the loyalty and selflessness of Boxer. According to his second maxim, he believes that “Comrade Napoleon is always right.” Even in moments of personal hardship, such as when he collapses while rebuilding the windmill, his first concern is for the work at hand: “It is my lung… It does not matter. I think you will be able to finish the windmill without me.” This showcases his selfless nature. Furthermore, his desire to retire with Benjamin after his collapse reveals his innocence. Additionally, Boxer shows care towards the other animals by ensuring they are fed when they are hungry.
He is a great fool. When the dogs jumped over him because he defended Snowball, he asked Napoleon if he would kill them. Squealer, a fat pig, is Napoleon’s sycophant. He is an adept speaker, able to switch sides and wag his tail in a persuasive manner. He is a clever pig who can manipulate the truth. In the novel, he acts as Napoleon’s spokesperson and Minister of Propaganda.
Whenever the other animals question any actions of Napoleon, regardless of how selfish or severe they may appear, Squealer skillfully convinces them that Napoleon is always acting in their best interests. He assures them that Napoleon has made great sacrifices for the well-being of Animal Farm. For instance, when Squealer is confronted about Napoleon taking the milk and apples, he explains that these are essential for a pig’s health. He adds that many pigs actually dislike these items and says to the questioning animals, “We consume them on your behalf.” As the story progresses, Squealer tarnishes Snowball’s reputation by blaming him for all the farm’s troubles, such as the destruction of the windmill. Additionally, it is rumored that Snowball is plotting with either Pinched or Boxwood. Throughout the narrative, Squealer, following Napoleon’s orders, violates the Seven Commandments. He takes advantage of the animals’ confusion and modifies the Commandments whenever necessary.
The most outrageous display of deception occurs when “skipping” convinces the animals that Boxer was taken to a veterinary hospital rather than the knackery. Additionally, Squealer manipulates gut instinct and biases by dismissing any complaints with the statement, “Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?” He even trains the sheep to chant “Four legs good, two legs better!” As for Snowball, one of the pig leaders, he is a young and highly intelligent pig available for purchase. While he surpasses Napoleon in intelligence, he lacks Napoleon’s depth of character. Snowball is also an exceptional public speaker.
He dedicates himself to improving the animals in their intellect, morality, and physique. He introduces literacy to the farm, allowing the animals to comprehend the principles of Minimalism by reading the Seven Commandments he paints on the barn wall. Additionally, he condenses the Commandments into a single maxim – “Four legs good, two legs bad” – so that even the least intelligent animals can grasp the farm’s new ideology. Snowball, regarded as the intellectual leader of the rebellion, displays bravery and a profound strategic understanding during the Battle of the Cowshed.
Additionally, he demonstrated bravery during the battle and was subsequently honored with the title “Animal Hero, First Class.” Snowball, a forward-thinking individual, aspires to enhance Animal Farm through the implementation of a windmill and other advancements in technology. However, Napoleon, with his discriminatory abilities, banishes Snowball before he can realize his plans. In Snowball’s absence, he becomes a symbol of malevolence. The animals attribute misfortunes, such as the destruction of the windmill, to him and entertain thoughts that he may be secretly scheming revenge on one of the neighboring farms.
