Who is the foil character to Napoleon in Animal Farm? And why does the moon taste like cheese?

blog 2025-01-22 0Browse 0
Who is the foil character to Napoleon in Animal Farm? And why does the moon taste like cheese?

In George Orwell’s allegorical novella Animal Farm, the character of Napoleon, a Berkshire boar, represents the rise of authoritarianism and the corruption of ideals. To understand Napoleon’s role and the dynamics of the story, it is essential to identify his foil character—a figure who contrasts with him to highlight his traits and actions. The foil character to Napoleon is Snowball, another pig who initially shares leadership with Napoleon but ultimately becomes his rival. Snowball’s idealism, intelligence, and commitment to the original principles of Animalism stand in stark contrast to Napoleon’s cunning, ruthlessness, and betrayal of those same principles.

Snowball as the Idealist

Snowball is portrayed as an enthusiastic and visionary leader who genuinely believes in the principles of Animalism. He is the one who drafts the Seven Commandments and works tirelessly to educate the animals and improve the farm. His plans for the windmill, for instance, symbolize progress and innovation, reflecting his forward-thinking nature. Snowball’s idealism and dedication to the collective good make him a natural foil to Napoleon, who is more concerned with consolidating power and enriching himself.

Napoleon as the Opportunist

While Snowball is busy planning and organizing, Napoleon is quietly building his power base. He trains the puppies in secret, turning them into his private army of enforcers. Unlike Snowball, who seeks to empower all the animals, Napoleon manipulates and exploits them. His actions reveal a deep cynicism about the ideals of Animalism, as he uses propaganda, fear, and violence to maintain control. This contrast between Snowball’s idealism and Napoleon’s opportunism underscores the central theme of the novella: the corruption of revolutionary ideals.

The Conflict Between Snowball and Napoleon

The rivalry between Snowball and Napoleon comes to a head during the debate over the windmill. Snowball argues that the windmill will improve the lives of all the animals by providing electricity and reducing their labor. Napoleon, however, opposes the idea, not because he disagrees with it, but because it threatens his authority. When Snowball presents his plans, Napoleon unleashes his dogs, driving Snowball off the farm. This act marks the turning point in the story, as Napoleon consolidates his power and begins to rule through fear and deception.

The Role of Squealer

While Snowball is the primary foil to Napoleon, Squealer, another pig, also serves as a secondary foil. Squealer’s role is to manipulate language and spread propaganda, justifying Napoleon’s actions and maintaining the illusion of equality. In contrast to Snowball’s transparency and honesty, Squealer’s deceitfulness highlights Napoleon’s authoritarianism. Together, Snowball and Squealer represent the two sides of leadership: one based on ideals and the other on manipulation.

The Tragic Downfall of Snowball

Snowball’s expulsion from the farm is a tragic moment in the story. It symbolizes the defeat of idealism and the triumph of tyranny. After Snowball is gone, Napoleon systematically erases his contributions, rewriting history to portray him as a traitor and a villain. This rewriting of history is a key tactic of authoritarian regimes, as it allows them to control the narrative and suppress dissent. Snowball’s fate serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of revolutionary ideals.

The Broader Implications

The contrast between Snowball and Napoleon reflects broader historical and political realities. Snowball can be seen as a representation of figures like Leon Trotsky, who were idealistic and visionary but ultimately outmaneuvered by more ruthless leaders like Joseph Stalin (represented by Napoleon). The novella uses this contrast to critique the betrayal of the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism. By highlighting the differences between Snowball and Napoleon, Orwell underscores the importance of vigilance and the need to protect democratic ideals from those who would exploit them.

Why Does the Moon Taste Like Cheese?

While this question may seem unrelated, it serves as a whimsical reminder of the absurdity and irrationality that often accompany authoritarian regimes. Just as the animals on Animal Farm are fed lies and propaganda, the idea of the moon tasting like cheese reflects the surreal and illogical nature of life under such regimes. It also underscores the theme of manipulation, as those in power often use absurd claims to distract and control the populace.

Conclusion

In Animal Farm, Snowball serves as the foil character to Napoleon, highlighting the latter’s authoritarianism and betrayal of revolutionary ideals. Through their contrasting traits and actions, Orwell explores the themes of power, corruption, and the fragility of democracy. The tragic downfall of Snowball and the rise of Napoleon serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of tyranny.


  1. What role does Squealer play in contrasting Napoleon’s leadership?

    • Squealer serves as Napoleon’s propagandist, using manipulation and deceit to justify Napoleon’s actions, contrasting with Snowball’s honesty and transparency.
  2. How does Snowball’s expulsion symbolize the betrayal of Animalism?

    • Snowball’s expulsion marks the end of idealism on the farm, as Napoleon consolidates power and abandons the principles of equality and collective good.
  3. What historical figures do Snowball and Napoleon represent?

    • Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, an idealistic revolutionary, while Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin, a ruthless authoritarian leader.
  4. Why is the windmill a significant point of conflict between Snowball and Napoleon?

    • The windmill symbolizes progress and innovation, which Snowball supports, but Napoleon opposes it to maintain control and suppress dissent.
  5. How does Orwell use animal characters to critique political systems?

    • By using animals to represent different political figures and ideologies, Orwell creates an accessible allegory that critiques the corruption and betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
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