Animal Farm Betrayal Quotes

Betrayal is a recurring theme in literature, often serving as a motivation for character development and plot progression. In Gerogre Orwell’s Animal Farm, the act of betrayal plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. One such betrayal occurs when the pigs, led by Napoleon, betray the principles of Animalism, which they initially championed. This essay will analyze the nature of this betrayal and its contribution to the novel as a whole, highlighting the significance of power dynamics, manipulation, and the erosion of ideals. The initial betrayal in Animal Farm is the pigs’ abandonment of the principles of Animalism, which they had promised to uphold. This betrayal is evident when the pigs, led by Napoleon, gradually assume more power

The pigs exploit the animals’ trust and ignorance, using propaganda and fear tactics to maintain control. Squealer, Napoleon’s loyal propagandist, played a crucial role in this betrayal. He distorts the truth and convinces the animals that their sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. For instance, when the pigs begin trading with humans, Squealer justifies this betrayal by claiming that it is for the benefit of the farm. He states “Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?” (Orwell 94). This quote demonstrates how the pigs manipulate the animals’ fear of their former human oppressors to justify their betrayal, further solidifying their power. Another example of the pigs’ manipulating the other animals for themselves is, “Napoleon announced that he had decided upon a new policy. From now onwards Animal Farm would engage in trade with the neighboring farms: not, of course, for any commercial purpose, but simply in order to obtain certain materials which were urgently necessary” (Orwell 62-63). This quote shows how Napoleon manipulates the other animals by changing Animal Farm’s policy to engage in trade with neighboring farms. This trade is not for commercial purposes, but rather to obtain materials that the pigs need. By framing the trade as a necessity, Napoleon is able to manipulate the other animals into accepting it, even though it goes against the

As the pigs consolidate their power, they gradually abandon the principles of Animalism, betraying the very ideals they had fought for. This betrayal is exemplified by the pigs’ decision to walk on two legs, a clear symbol of their transformation into human-like oppressors. The animals, who had once believed in the equality of all creatures, are left disillusioned and betrayed. This betrayal is encapsulated in the final scene of the novel, where the animals witness the pigs and humans enjoying a feast together. Orwell writes, “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which is which (Orwell 129). This quote highlights the ultimate betrayal of the pigs, as they become indistinguishable from the humans they had once despised. This betrayal can also be shown when the novel states, “The animals were not certain what the word mean, but Squealer spoke so persuasively, and the three dogs who happened to be with him growled so threateningly, that they accepted his explanation without further questions'' (Orwell 58). This shows how the pigs’ betrayal goes against the principle of knowledge and education. The animals initially believed that they could learn and educate themselves, but the pigs’ manipulation of the animals’ ignorance shows how they are not able to learn and educate themselves, and need to rely on