Mind Map

Analysis:

Work Cited

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. London, Penguin UK, 2008.

• The portrayal of Napoleon paints his physical dominance and intimidating presence, which characterizes him as a potential leader among the other animals.
• His taciturn personality indicates a quiet power, suggesting that he prefers actions, rather than words, which define his authority.
• The narration of "-- getting his own way," suggests that Napoleon is determined, and effective in achieving his goals (Orwell 9).
• As the only Berkshire on the farm, Napoleon stands out as a special position, symbolizing his individuality and potential significance.
• This description foreshadows his role as a central figure, driving the narrative and actions on the farm. It also foreshadows how he will reign with actions rather than words, and making sure things go his way.

Napoleon's personality of being competent and strong-willed is shown by his commanding presence, as " -- a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar, the only Berkshire on the farm, [and being] not much of a talker, but with a reputation for getting his own way," which solidifies his authority and resolute nature within the farm's social order (Orwell 9).

• Some animals express a sense of respect and dependence on Mr. Jones, referring to him as master and acknowledging his role in providing them with food.
• Mr. Jones notices the pigs' contentment and physical advancement despite neglecting the other animals.
• This recognition of the pigs' improving well-being while ignoring the general state of the farm and the suffering of the other animals highlights Mr. Jones's acceptance of inequality and favouritism of the pigs.
• This indication that the pigs are special also foreshadows the future, where the pigs are superior over the other animals.
• Mr. Jones is aware of the inequality between his animals but lacks the ability to care or act on it, which emphasize his role as an oppressive figure who justifies the oppression of many for the benefit of a few.

Before the rebellion takes place, "[s]ome of the animals talked of their duty to stay loyal to Mr. Jones" because of their lack of hope for the rebellion (Orwell 10). Many were growing tired of Animalism, and started referring to Mr. Jones as a "--'Master', or made elementary remarks such as 'Mr. Jones feeds us [and] if he [is] gone, we should starve to death,'" (Orwell 10). Some even started losing faith in the rebellion and believed it would not happen until their death. Many wondered what would be different about their lives if the rebellion did happen, and the lack of morale proved it difficult for the pigs to continute reminding them of the spirit of Animalism.

Final Statement

Antagonist's Knowledge of Oppression and Justification

Competent and Strong-Willed Protagonist

In Animal Farm by George Orwell, Napoleon is described as a tough figure, showing dominance and determination. His fierce-looking body is described as " ... a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar, ... " and the description of " ... getting his own way," demonstrates his capability within the farm's dynamics (Orwell 9). Through Old Major's speech, Napoleon learns the wrongs in society, which is unjust human dominance of labour exploitation. Old Major's speech about why humans are their enemy ignites an awakening among the animals about their oppression and sets the stage for rebellion. Soon, rebellion occurs and they take the whole farm for themselves. As planned, the animals start to harvest crops, but "[t]he pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others," (17). With Napoleon and Snowball's intelligence, they naturally take the role of supervisors and leaders, rather than labourers. Soon, Mr. Jones comes back to the farm to regain ownership, which is an action to justify the oppression, by having a battle, where the animals win under the pigs's control with other animals fighting for their lives. However, living on the farm by themselves is not always perfect. As Napoleon and Snowball happen to have different opinions and plans on education or windmill plans, they arrange to have a vote to choose the leader. Just before the vote, Napoleon employs his educated dogs, with his won propaganda, to attack Snowball. It results in Snowball running away from the farm and Napoleon taking the dictatorship. It is ironic how animals first begin the journey to get equality when Napoleon ends up becoming someone like Mr. Jones. These elements work together to show Napoleon's desire and desire for power, utilizing an understanding of societal wrongs, calculated risk-taking, and the intelligent use of allies to solidify his authority in a changing situation, symbolizing the dark side of dictatorship and the abuse of power dynamics within a society.

Animal Farm

Features of Dystopian Characters

by Tei Im

Protagonist with Ability to Recognize Wrongs in Society

Risk-Taking Protagonist for Change

Protagonist's Use of Side Characters

Analysis:

The terrifying demonstration of power that Napoleon exerts through his control of the dogs, as well as his willingness to use them violently against anyone who threatens his authority is clearly revealed when Snowball disagrees with Napoleon, and “ --nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars ... dashe[s] straight for Snowball ...

As time passed after the rebellion, “[t]he pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others," and for other animals, since the pigs had "--their superior knowledge, it was natural that they should assume the leadership," even though it is not fair for them (Orwell 17).

• Napoleon thinks that educating the young animals is important, so he secretly takes puppies and brain-washes them with his propaganda
• Napoleon and Snowball both understand the importance of education, but Napoleon prefers to teach Animalism, while Snowball prioritizes and teaches reading.
• The pigs take the position of leaders and supervisors, as a result, they use other animals to work for them in order to achieve their goals, which foreshadows the potential transformation of pigs becoming just like humans they overthrew.
• Just before the rebellion, the pigs use Animalism to motivate the animals to fight against humans and bring the rebellion to fruition.
• During the second battle against the humans, Snowball leads the animals to victory by coming up with effective strategies that he learned from a book on war strategies.
• Also, Boxer is recognized as “... the most terrifying spectacle of all … rearing up on his hind legs and striking out with his great iron-shod hoo[ves] like a stallion,” (Orwell 27). He is used as an effective side character who helps support the pigs.
• Boxer conveys his hyper-commitment to improve the farm and help the other animals, adopting the personal motto of "'[he] will work harder!'" (Orwell 18), without fighting for credit or acknowledgement.

Napoleon recognizes what is wrong in their society through Old Major's speech which declared that "[m]an is the only creature that consumes without producing," which is the catalyst for the Animalism philosophy. He also complains that "[man] is lord of all the animals," even though "[man] does not give milk, [man] does not lay eggs, [man] is too weak to pull the plough, [and man] cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet [man] is lord of all the animals" (Orwell 4).

Analysis:

[with] their snapping jaws,” causing Snowball to run off the farm and allowing Napoleon to take over completely as a dictator (Orwell 35).

• The utilization of fierce dogs, at the command of Napoleon, symbolizes the violent suppression of dissent, showcasing his willingness to use aggression in order to maintain power.
• The attack on Snowball, a co-leader of Napoleon's who becomes a rival leader with opposing views, signifies Napoleon's readiness to eliminate all threats to his authority, risking potential chaos or resistance.
• It also shows the conflict between Snowball and Napoleon, emphasizing Napoleon's unwillingness to compromise and his disregard for Snowball's opinions, despite their position as co-leaders.
• This characterization illustrates his willingness to take drastic measures to ensure his ascendance to power, which foreshadows Napoleon's future behaviour as a ruthless tyrant.
• This event alludes to the historical relationship between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky, where Stalin worked behind the scenes and sent his army to get Trotsky out of his way, just like Napoleon was doing.
• This is the turning point in Napoleon's character, highlighting his readiness to take drastic actions to further his goals, as he does not hesitate to attack his closest ally.

• Through Old Major's speech, Napoleon recognizes the inequality and exploitation that the animals face, perpetuated by the humans.
• The speech sets the stage for undermining the established order, encouraging the animals' rebellion against human control and following Napoleon instead.
• This speech further develops the plot by planting the seeds of dissent, demonstrating Napoleon's earliest knowledge of societal inequities and his possible role in rectifying them.
• Old Major’s speech is what exposes the weakness of humans, which is their dependence on animal labour.
• Old Major’s point that humans do not produce milk and eggs and that they are too weak and slow to work undermines the power and the control that humans, and Mr. Jones in particular, hold against the animals. He even loses his gun in the Battle of the Cowshed against the animals.