Animal Farm

The windmill represents industry, progress, and the potential for a better future. Initially, Snowball proposes the construction of the windmill as a means of providing electricity to the farm, improving efficiency, and making life easier for all the animals. The windmill embodies the spirit of innovation and collective effort.

However, after Snowball is driven off the farm, Napoleon takes credit for the idea of the windmill and uses it as a tool for propaganda. The pigs prioritize the construction of the windmill over the welfare of the other animals, forcing them to work harder and under harsher conditions. Despite the animals' tireless efforts, the windmill is destroyed multiple times, symbolizing the futility of progress under corrupt leadership.

The Seven Commandments represent the principles of Animalism and the ideals of equality and justice. Initially, the commandments are painted on the barn wall as a reminder to all the animals of their rights and freedoms. They include maxims such as "All animals are equal" and "No animal shall drink alcohol," serving as a moral code for the animals to live by.

However, as the pigs consolidate their power, they gradually distort and manipulate the commandments to justify their actions. For example, they change the commandment "All animals are equal" to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," highlighting the pigs' hypocrisy and their transformation into the ruling elite. The corruption of the commandments symbolizes the erosion of the animals' ideals and the perversion of justice under totalitarian rule.

Napoleon, one of the pigs who emerges as a leader after the rebellion, symbolizes Joseph Stalin and dictatorial leadership. Initially, Napoleon is portrayed as a shrewd and charismatic leader who presents himself as a champion of the revolution. However, he quickly becomes power-hungry and manipulative, using fear and violence to consolidate his control over the farm.

Napoleon's ruthless pursuit of power and his betrayal of the principles of Animalism parallel Stalin's rise to power and his establishment of a totalitarian regime in the Soviet Union. Napoleon's reign of terror, marked by purges and executions, represents the brutality of dictatorial rule and the erosion of individual freedoms. His ultimate transformation into a tyrant illustrates the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked authority.

Snowball, another pig, symbolizes Leon Trotsky and emerges as a symbol of idealism, intellectualism, and the potential for positive change. He initially serves as a visionary leader alongside Napoleon, advocating for the principles of Animalism and the liberation of farm animals from human oppression. His character embodies the hope and optimism of the revolution, representing the dream of a better, more equitable society.

Snowball's role as a symbol of progressive ideals is particularly evident in his proposal to build the windmill, which he envisions as a means of improving the animals' quality of life and reducing their labor. However, Snowball's idealism ultimately becomes his downfall as he is ousted from the farm by Napoleon and the other pigs. Despite his genuine commitment to the principles of Animalism, Snowball is demonized and scapegoated by Napoleon, who labels him a traitor and blames him for all the farm's problems. This betrayal symbolizes the betrayal of revolutionary ideals and the perversion of justice under authoritarian rule.

Squealer, the pig who serves as Napoleon's propaganda minister, symbolizes the manipulation of information and the distortion of truth in totalitarian societies. Squealer uses persuasive rhetoric and doublespeak to convince the other animals that Napoleon's leadership is for their own good, even as their conditions deteriorate.

Squealer's ability to spin lies and justify the pigs' actions reflects the propaganda tactics employed by dictators to maintain control over the populace. He represents the power of language to manipulate reality and shape public opinion, highlighting the dangers of censorship and propaganda in undermining democracy and fostering oppression.

Mr. Jones, the original owner of the farm, symbolizes the oppressive czarist regime in Russia before the revolution. He represents the old order of aristocratic privilege and exploitation, where the working class (symbolized by the animals) is subjugated and mistreated by those in power. Mr. Jones's neglect and mistreatment of the animals inspire the rebellion that leads to his overthrow, mirroring the discontent that fueled the Russian Revolution.