George Orwell's Animal Farm: Russian Revolution

1026 Words5 Pages

Kyle Chin
Mr. Broomfield
ENG2D
December 22, 2017

Research Essay on Animal Farm
World events often strike a chord that resonates with people. Writers use their gift of expression to communicate their opinions on topics that pose significant personal interest. The Russian Revolution has inspired George Orwell’s Animal Farm with characters that mirror the prominent leaders of that historical time. Old Major portrayed Vladimir Lenin on leadership status, ideal government and push for Rebellion. Napoleon depicted Joseph Stalin in his grasp for power, reign of terror and use of personal watchdogs. Snowball resembled Leon Trotsky as a captivating speaker, an effective leader in battle and being manoeuvred into exile.
Firstly, in Animal Farm, Old Major portrayed Vladimir Lenin. Lenin made great strides in Russian history as an influential revolutionary …show more content…

Trotsky was a charismatic speaker. He had the ability to capture and influence his audience when he spoke. He was an influential leader during the Russian Civil War, he commanded the Red Army to victory. Stalin exiled Trotsky with the help of the Secret Police. Snowball was a match to Trotsky. At meetings, Snowball “often won over the majority by his brilliant speeches” (31). Snowball was as skilled as Trotsky in his ability to oversee the Battle of Cowshed. Upon the invasion of the humans at Animal Farm, “he gave his orders quickly, and in a couple of minutes every animal was at his post” (26). His strategic plan made it possible for the animals to fend off their human attackers, “within five minutes of their invasion they were in ignominious retreat” (27). Then, like the exile of Trotsky, Snowball was chased off Animal Farm by Napoleon’s killer dogs and “was not seen no more” (36). Thus, Snowball and Trotsky were well matched in their ways to engage their audience, their masterly leadership to execute strategic commands led to victory and then their exile from their