Book Review Essay, Research Paper

Animal Farm

by: George Orwell

Book Review by George Lacy

Mrs. Spain Fall 96

Character Analysis of Napoleon

“Napoleon was a large rather fierce looking Berkshire boar,” that was spoiled and always got his way. He was the only pig of the kind on the farm. Napoleon was a great rival to Snowball. Snowball was very outspoken while Napoleon was very secretive and did not talk much. Napoleon and Snowball prepare for the Rebellion in a very similar manner, and have many goals alike. Old Major s vision was important to both Napoleon and Snowball and develop his ideas into a plan. The society was to be set-up after the Rebellion. Napoleon s plan benefits himself while Snowball s are benefiting to all the animals.

After the Rebellion Napoleon takes charge of the milk and the apples, at this time the plan that benefits him is put into action. Napoleon does not take part in the activities for the animals. As part of Napoleon s plan he disagrees with Snowball on most of the issues. Napoleon is a secretive plotter that works behind the scenes and someday plans to eliminate Snowball as a rival. For example he secretly trained the guard dogs in secret, keeping them completely hidden from view. Napoleon was also very good at developing support for his ideas, after meetings he would talk to the other animals one on one and “psychologically brainwash” them. He is very kiniving in his ways to get more power and is always trying to discredit and undermine the other animals. One time he urinated on Snowball s plans for the windmill.

Napoleon s sense of timing is keen and this is very useful is his quest for more power. At just the right time he implies that Snowball s teachings are not beneficial to the other animals. Then the time comes when Napoleon has to carry out the rest of his plan, getting rid of Snowball. But by the time the animals realize what is going on Napoleon has taken control and is ready for any objections. Napoleon eventually gains total power and symbolizes a despotic ruler. In this book Napoleon represents “Stalin and his counterpart in the Russian Revolution. Napoleon always has to have the best produce, best quarters, whiskey, and clothing. He distracts the other animals from the fact that he is modifying the original Animal Farm visions. He ruthlessly kills anyone who protests his actions. He keeps the animals working long hours at immense projects like building the windmill and a new school. Napoleon keeps the animals busy for one reason, so they don t think about what is happening to them and their lives. He also had the animals give him credit for every good thing that happens to them. Then Napoleon decides he needs a scapegoat and of course he chooses Snowball. Napoleon character does not change throughout the novel, he is greedy and always gets his way. And he also wants more and more because he has a never ending greed