Any type of fiction that has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called an allegory. Links between the Russian Revolution and Animal Farm Characters The characters in Animal Farm all share a link between certain people involved during the Russian Revolution. Here is a list of characters from the book, which had things in common with some important people who played a role in the Russian Revolution. Old Major (pig) – He represents Karl Marx, who is one of the most famous philosophers and political theorists in history.
Karl Marx is the inventor of Communism, just like Old Major, who is the ‘Father of Minimalism’. They also both die before the Revolution. Napoleon (pig) – Napoleon is Joseph Stalin, the second leader of the Soviet union. Animal farm skips the rule of Lenin (and combines Lenin with the character of Old Major), and has Napoleon leading the farm from the beginning of the revolution. Snowball (pig) – Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, who was the other leader of the revolution. He was a pure communist who followed Marx, and wanted to improve life in Russia.
When Joseph Stalin (Napoleon) rose to power, Trotsky becomes one of Stalin’s biggest enemies and was eventually expelled. In Animal Farm, Snowball was exiled from the farm by Napoleon’s dogs, just like Trotsky had been. Mr.. Jones – Mr. Jones is a farmer, and the owner of Manor Farm. He represents the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas Alexandria Romano (Nicholas II). He was a poor leader compared to other western kings and was very cruel, sometimes brutal with opponents. Mrs.. Jones represents the Tsar’s wife, Alexandra.
Squealer (pig) – This pig represents the Russian Edie, which spread Stalin’s version of the truth to the masses. Boxer (horse) – Boxer represents the working class. Boxer is portrayed as being a dedicated worker, but as owning a less-than-average intelligence. His personal motto was, “l will work harder! ” Boxer was very dedicated to his work, but he was actually being tricked by Napoleon. The Dogs – The dogs are the military/ police. Shortly after the revolution, several puppies are stolen from their mother. Later on in the book, the puppies are fully grown and trained to protect Napoleon.
Moses the Raven – The raven Moses represents the Russian Orthodox Church. In the beginning of the novel, Moses was like a pet to Mr.. Jones. He fled the farm shortly after the revolution, but eventually came back. Moses didn’t do any work, but he told the animals stories about a paradise called Sugarcane Mountain, which is an allegory of Heaven. Benjamin (donkey) – Benjamin represented the skeptical people in and outside of Russia. They weren’t sure whether revolution would change anything. Mollie (horse) ? Mollie represents the vain and selfish people in
Russia and throughout the world who ignored the revolution and sought residence in more inviting countries. In the book, Mollie eventually flees the Animal Farm to live elsewhere. Mr.. Frederick (farmer) – Owner of Pinched (Leader of Germany). He is represented as Doll Hitler throughout the book. Mr.. Politicking (farmer) – Owner of Boxwood (Leader of England). He doesn’t represent one person in particular, but is like a mix of all of the leaders of England. Other types of relations Many of the events or other things in Animal Farm are represented as things in the actual Russian Revolution.
Minimalism – Minimalism is represented as Communism in Animal Farm. Communism is a type of government that relies on acclimatization of labor and good to equal out the classes. In Animal Farm, Minimalism is taught by Old Major who teaches that all animals are equal, just as Communism was invented by Karl Marx who says that all people are equal. Hoof & Horn ? A reference to the national Soviet symbol, Hammer and Sickle. Animal Committees – A representation of the Soviet Committees. Beasts of England – Allegorical to the original socialist anthem, The International.
