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Symbolism in “Animal Farm” by George Orwell

George Orwell, author of Animal Farm is a master of symbolism. This work is actually one
giant allegory about the Soviet Union and its history, viewed from a satirical perspective . This is
a subject readers in the 1940s, when the book was released, were familiar with. There are
numerous symbols in this work, and most of them describe the Soviet Union and its
government at the beginning of the 20th century.

Orwell also associates real historical figures with the characters of the book. This is proved by
Snowball and Napoleon, characters which represent Leon Trotsky and Stalin, respectively.

The animals trusted Napoleon and Snowball (Leon Trotsky) to lead them to a better life.
Napoleon, who had a reputation for getting his own way, instead of debating with Snowball
over issues as he was not a good speaker, set the dogs on Snowball and chased him out of the
farm. With Snowball out of the way Napoleon increased his power. This is similar to Stalin’s
actions, when he got Leon Trotsky (Snowball) exiled from the country and later, killed. Other
similarities include Napoleon killing a lot of animals. Stalin killed a lot of people in Show Trials.

Other significant people in Russian history were represented in Animal Farm with the Tsar
Nicholas II being portrayed by Mr. Jones, the drunken farmer. The Tsar could also be cruel and
argumentative at times and was known to be brutal with opponents. Mr. Jones was also a poor
leader of his farm and was always drunk. He was also neglectful and cruel to the animals.

However, these are not the only symbols. Throughout the novel, we find out that Napoleon is
always surrounded and supported by the pigs. Pigs which might represent the communist party,
as the Duma (or Russian parliament). Moreover, as we have seen, the pigs have a different
lifestyle from the other animals, living in luxury.

Furthermore, there are events that act as symbols in “Animal Farm”. The Russian Revolution
is suggested by the animals driving Mr. Jones off the farm out of a sudden, as a result of not
being fed on time. Also, the debate about whether to build the windmill acts as a symbol for
the discussion debating whether Russia should try to spread communism to the rest of the
world. Trotsky supported the spread of communism, whereas Stalin maintained that it was
more important to work within Russia on strengthening the communist ideal.

Interpreted at different levels, Animal Farm could be read as a simple novel about farm
animals or an allegorized look at the Russian Revolution. Orwell wrote Animal Farm in 1945 and
still today countless people read and enjoy his satirical view of the Russian Revolution.